Since 1860 the Boiron family has made wine at the property. Through 5 generations the domain has been handed over from father to son. The 2nd generation Joseph-Victor Boiron (1875-1949) took over in 1890. From 1936 he called his domain “Clos Chantemerle”. Since 1966 the name has been “Bosquet des Papes”. This name was chosen by Maurice Boiron, who has retired. Nicolas Boiron and his wife Jeanne-Claire carry on the family traditions. The cellars were built in three steps in 1978, 1983 and 1994-95. Nicolas Boiron wants to produce a traditional Chateauneuf du Pape. “The philosophy of “Bosquet des Papes” estate is to produce laying down wines, meaning that they can be kept for many years, thereby respecting the traditions of Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines… They will reach their peak after 6 or 7 years.”
Most of the wooden vessels in the cellar are foudres but they are using more and more demi-muids maybe by influence of Philippe Cambie.
The domain covers about 40 different parcels – a total of 32 ha of which 3,5 ha are Cotes du Rhone. The average age of the vines is about 50 years. 3.5 ha – 100 years old – are used for Cuvée Chante le Merle.
A blend of 75% Grenache, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah & 3% Vaccarèse, Counoise & Cinsault. A lovely cuvée produced from parcels in different sectors of the appellation. 60% of the bunches are fermented whole with a lengthy maceration of up to four weeks in order to extract the maximum of flavour. Ageing is in a mixture of large, oak foudres and demi-muids for 15 months.
Intense blackberry, plum and cherry compote fruits as well as a delicious perfume fill the nose. Rich and concentrated packed with character. Complex and gamey on the palate with spice, garrigue, and tobacco filling out the black & red fruit mix. Old school finish with a fine structure.
Will cellar for 10-12 years at least.