Located ten kilometers southeast of Avignon, the Castle of Noel Saint-Laurent dates back to the thirteenth century. This fortified farmhouse served as a shelter for pilgrims making the legendary medieval pilgrimage to the Spanish village of Santiago de Compostella, where Apostle Saint James was buried. The Popes, who were then ruling the Church from Avignon, entrusted the operation of the estate to the Carthusian Monks. The monks grew vines in the surrounding hills and produced wine for the Papal court, which was very fond of it. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt many times over the years, and then in the eighteenth century the Counts of Felix purchased the property and transformed it into it?s current form. The property of Chateau Noel Saint-Laurent has belonged to the Noel family since the late 1940?s where they have respectfully maintained the castle and the tradition of growing vines. Today, the 40 hectares of vineyards are managed by Didier Noel, while the winemaking is the responsibility of his wife, Brigitte Noel.

Viognier 60%, Marsanne 30%, Bourboulenc 10%.The white grapes undergo a cold maceration for 24 hours and are then pressed. Fermentation takes place in temperature controlled tanks after which the wine is aged on its lees. A portion of the white wine is fermented and aged directly in one vintage old Chateau d?Yquem barriques for 8 to 10 months. This is a bright, complex, and aromatic Cotes du Rhone blanc. On the palate, rich pear, peach, and tropical fruit flavors are tempered by hints of citrus. The finish is bright, mineral, and long. At Chateau Noel St.-Laurent, Brigitte makes a remarkably balanced white that is a perfect match for scallops, grilled shrimp, and lobster. A Winebuys staff favorite!