A Châteauneuf-du-Pape property on top form, with a formidable range of impressive wines. The winemaking has been in the hands of the talented Didier Négron (whose wife is a Sabon) since 2004. The vines are planted in some of the best sites of Châteauneuf – Les Cabrières, La Crau, Courthezon and Nalys, and all with “galets roulés”. They have a minimum age of 50 years. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre dominate. The fermentation takes place in small cement vats and small stainless steel cuves, with pumping over and a cuvaison which lasts for 20 days at a temperature of between 30° and 34°. The red Châteauneuf-du-Pape are then matured in a series of foudres and barrels for around 2 years.
The Réserve is Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault from 65-year-old vines. The yields for this wine can be as little as 10hl/ha.
The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve has terrific notes of blackberries, smoked earth, garrigue, and pepper. It’s based on 80% Grenache and 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up in foudre and cuve tronconique tanks. Concentrated as well as focused, it’s medium to full-bodied, has brilliant concentration, ripe, present tannins, and a great finish. It’s another awesome wine from this estate.
