Châteauneuf du Pape, 2015
Refined sweet dark Grenache fruit deep and complex, bolstered by super fine tannins, notes of ripe bramble and plum with a touch of garrigue, mint and rock salt. Long and intense but so focused and fine, there is not a hair out of place in this wine. Reserved and polished but with a little less of that Vieux Telegraphe youthful austerity than usual, a very complete wine. A blend of 65% Grenache 15% Syrah 15% Mourvedre and a small proportion of white varieties and Cinsault. Whole bunches from the old vines Grenache are included in the blend. All from the fine La Crau vineyard in the Bédarrides commune from vines averaging 60 years old. The grapes from younger vines are de-stemmed and after fermentation the wine is aged for ten months in concrete vats followed by ten months in wooden foudres.
critic reviews
The flagship wine, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape, is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties. It features delicate floral scents and ample cherry and licorice aromas. Somehow, it manages to be full-bodied and almost creamy in texture but without much weight, then it ends powerfully, with a flourish of rich Mexican chocolate on the long, silky finish. It should drink well for up to 20 years.
Brilliant ruby-red. A fragrant nose evokes ripe red and dark berries, musky flowers, licorice and white pepper, and a smoky mineral overtone adds vivacity. Juicy and concentrated in the mouth, offering gently sweet cherry, cassis and floral pastille flavors that spread out steadily on the back half. Closes chewy, sweet and very long, with building tannins adding shape and grip. I really like the blend of structure and fruit here.