Characteristic soils of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (yellow and red sand, red clay and limestone clay, rolled pebbles) with a high proportion of sands.
The average age of the vines +40 years.
Grapes varieties:
70% Grenache from Baratin, Chapouin,
15% Syrah from Valori,
15% Mourvèdre from Grand Pierre, Mourre de Gaud
Viticulture: Rigorous bud pruning. Furthermore, green harvesting and leaf thinning are done.
The picking is entirely by hand, with sorting in the vineyard and again in the cellar.
Vinification:
manual harvest and sorting on the estate by vibrating table, destemming and crushing of the grapes.
Vinification of Grenache and Syrah together, Mourvèdre apart.
Maceration lasts about 2-3 weeks, daily pumping over, load shedding or trapping;
Malolactic fermentation in frustoconical wooden vats or in stainless steel vats.
Ageing:
It is made in wooden vats, in stainless steel vats, in demi-muids and in barrels.
SERVICE TIP:
Around 16 ° C-18 ° C. If possible, consider decanting the wine.
This has impeccable richness and ripeness, packed with dark berries and delivered in a seamless, dynamic palate. Long and delicious Châteauneuf here. Drink or hold.
93 Points – James Suckling – August 2018
The recently bottled (three weeks before my visit) 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape was surprisingly open. It features delightfully ripe Grenache fruit that hints at stone fruit and milk chocolate, ample weight on the plate and a supple, easygoing personality. It should drink well for the next decade.
91+? Points - - Joe Czerwinski – The Wine Advocate – August 2018
Features the dense, dark, ripe profile of the vintage, with a core of steeped currant, fig and boysenberry fruit, supported by a dense structure, notes of dark earth, tobacco and bitter cocoa, and a long finish that ripples with latent energy. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2023 through 2037. 2,400 cases made, 500 cases imported.
94 Points – Wine Spectator – Wine Insider August 7th 2019