Châteauneuf du Pape, 2000

A ravishing, moreish wine for fans of pure, restrained Châteauneuf. The complex flavours of damson, bullace, herb and forest berry are well-defined, intense but measured. The refined, ripe fruit character is offset by a gentle and very complimentary austerity that only adds to this wine’s appeal, whilst a crushed stone and minerally quality adds freshness to the finish. A friendlier version of 2010 and more serious than 2009. A class act. A Grenache dominated wine 65% blended with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Clairette. All from the fine La Crau vineyard in the Bédarrides commune from vines averaging 60 years old. The grapes are part de-stemmed and after fermentation the wine is aged for ten months in concrete vats followed by ten months in wooden foudres.