Châteauneuf du Pape, Julien Barrot, 2019
The wine that used to be called “Signature.” Robust and structured for sure, there are lots of tannins, but with a velvet gloss. Brooding dark sapid fruits, notes of pine pepper and sandalwood alongside the ripe bramble and cassis fruit. Powerful, solid but with length and great complexity. One to tuck away. A blend of 14 parcels, mainly old vines Grenache (50 to 100 years old), with 20% Mourvedre and the balance made up of Syrah and Cinsault. Aged in large old wooden casks.
critic reviews
The charming, seductive 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Julien Barrot features attractive herbal nuances of resinous garrigue set against a backdrop of raspberries and blackberries. About 60% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, with the rest other permitted varieties, it fermented in concrete and aged mainly in foudres, with about one-third in demi-muids. It's full-bodied, supple, creamy and lush on the mid-palate, then fine and silky on the finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.