2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, La Bernardine, M. Chapoutier, Rhône

2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, La Bernardine, M. Chapoutier, Rhône

Product: 20128116835
 
2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, La Bernardine, M. Chapoutier, Rhône

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Description

Despite Michel’s monovarietal philosophy, even he cannot resist the addition a little Syrah and Mourvèdre to the Grenache in this exceptional Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Although their combined total only accounts for a somewhat marginal 2% of the blend. A supple, silky Grenache mouth-feel with bay-leaf and Provencal herbs in support makes this entirely sui generis.
Simon Field MW, Rhône Wine Buyer 

Our brief encounter with Michel Chapoutier this year took on an element of farce, French farce you might say, although it took place in the Hermitage vineyards rather than in a well-upholstered Parisan salon. Michel was inspecting the vines with an appropriately deferential team of winemakers and we were hoping to interview and photograph him. The closer we got, the further away he seemed to be. This chimerical liaison reflects both the surprisingly undulating topography of Hermitage and the unsurprisingly elusive nature of the man himself. Of course when we finally caught up with him, he was charm itself. As are his outstanding range of 2012s.

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Critics reviews

Wine Advocate89-91+/100
Looking at the 2012s from barrel, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape La Bernardine is a step up from the 2011 and exhibits gorgeously perfumed aromas of cherry blossoms, crushed flowers, incense and assorted berry-styled fruits on both the nose and palate. A medium to full-bodied 2012, with a supple, finesse-driven style and terrific purity of fruit, it has loads of charm and will drink nicely for 8-10 years. Drink now-2022.
Jeb Dunnuck - 31/10/2013 Read more

About this WINE

Maison Chapoutier

Maison Chapoutier

Applying his usual break-neck rigour to the presidency of InterRhône has not in any way distracted Michel Chapoutier. His range is more impressive in scope than ever, providing the most complete dissection of the region’s styles and terroir. Founded in 1808, Michel took charge in 1988 and became the seventh generation of his family to run the domaine. Since then, quality has soared and he is now farming all his vineyards biodynamically. He also invests in new winemaking projects across the globe, as far-flung as Australia. His children, in particular his daughter, Mathilde, are now increasingly involved in the day-to-day management of the maison, bringing with her her entrepreneurial skills and vision.

Michel describes 2021 as a vintage the vignerons were unlikely to forget in a hurry, bringing an array of challenges that only hard work could overcome. It also brought a style of wines he thought long forgotten: ethereal in nature, with aromatic complexity, lower alcohols and bright acidities. They offer great elegance and finesse overall.

You might remember that we offered Chapoutier’s 2021 sélection parcellaire back in October last year – an impressive range of his single vineyards, including his prestigious Ermitages. We do have small volumes left of some lines so if you’re interested in seeing a complete list, please speak to your Account Manager.

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Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The most celebrated village of the Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the birthplace of the now indispensable French Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée system – imperfect though it may be. Compared to the Northern Rhône, the vineyards here are relatively flat and often feature the iconic galet pebbles – the precise benefits of which are a source of much debate. Minimum alcohol levels required by the AOC are the highest in France, but at 12.5% it is well below the natural generosity of Grenache, which only achieves its full aromatic potential when it is fully ripe and laden with the resultant high sugars. Syrah and Mourvèdre contribute the other defining elements in the blend, adding pepper, savoury spice and structure to the decadent Grenache. There are a further 10 permitted red grape varieties which can be used to adjust the “seasoning”. Of the five white varieties permitted, it is Grenache Noir’s sibling – predictably perhaps – Grenache Blanc, which dominates, though Roussanne shows a great deal of promise when handled well, notably at Château de Beaucastel.

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Southern Rhône Blend

Southern Rhône Blend

The vast majority of wines from the Southern Rhône are blends. There are 5 main black varieties, although others are used and the most famous wine of the region, Châteauneuf du Pape, can be made from as many as 13 different varieties. Grenache is the most important grape in the southern Rhône - it contributes alcohol, warmth and gentle juicy fruit and is an ideal base wine in the blend. Plantings of Syrah in the southern Rhône have risen dramatically in the last decade and it is an increasingly important component in blends. It rarely attains the heights that it does in the North but adds colour, backbone, tannins and soft ripe fruit to the blend.

The much-maligned Carignan has been on the retreat recently but is still included in many blends - the best old vines can add colour, body and spicy fruits. Cinsault is also backtracking but, if yields are restricted, can produce moderately well-coloured wines adding pleasant-light fruit to red and rosé blends. Finally, Mourvèdre, a grape from Bandol on the Mediterranean coast, has recently become an increasingly significant component of Southern Rhône blends - it often struggles to ripen fully but can add acidity, ripe spicy berry fruits and hints of tobacco to blends.

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