Châteauneuf-du-Pape
The largest and most important appellation in the southern Rhône, with more than 3,200 hectares of vineyards and over 80 growers, Châteauneuf-du-Pape produces more wine than the whole of the northern Rhône combined. The gloriously rich red wines, redolent of the heat and herbs of the south, are enhanced by the complexity which comes from blending several of the 14 permitted grape varieties including Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah.
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For laying down,
Thirteen plots, with a concentration on the famous
Crau plateau, have gifted this blend which is made up
of 80 percent Grenache, 10 percent Mourvèdre, seven
percent Syrah and three percent Cinsault. Gentle
extraction after a modest cold soak has been followed
by eighteen months ageing, shared between vat and
350 litre casks, none of which are new. Benchmark
Châteauneuf aromas of black olive and the scrub cede
to a dark and savoury palate, hugely textured and
with layers of potential. The 2016 calling cards of pure
acidity and elegant tannins are both present and the
finish is imperious. Drink 2020-2028.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Crau plateau, have gifted this blend which is made up
of 80 percent Grenache, 10 percent Mourvèdre, seven
percent Syrah and three percent Cinsault. Gentle
extraction after a modest cold soak has been followed
by eighteen months ageing, shared between vat and
350 litre casks, none of which are new. Benchmark
Châteauneuf aromas of black olive and the scrub cede
to a dark and savoury palate, hugely textured and
with layers of potential. The 2016 calling cards of pure
acidity and elegant tannins are both present and the
finish is imperious. Drink 2020-2028.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Chateau la Nerthe,
For laying down,
The final blend this year will be the usual cornucopia of Grenache, Syrah , Mourvèdre and Cinsault, the Syrah now nearly achieving parity with the Grenache (and in terms of taste profile it’s certainly just as influential). Maturation has been 60 percent in barrel, 40 percent in foudre and the wine rejoices in classic ripeness and purity, aromatic and subtle intensity. An archetype from the modern end of the spectrum, its modernity is tempered by a robust respect for provenance and the dexterity of an extremely gifted winemaker. Drink 2019-2025.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Chateau la Nerthe,
Ready, but will improve,
La Nerthe has always majored on the fruity side of the Châteauneuf profile. Sometimes, given the venerable vines in situ and the almost perfect cellars, I have hoped for a little more “authenticity” here. Ralph may have previously been making wine for Jaboulet in the North, but this is his most clearly articulated aspiration. One should rejoice in Grenache and garland it in the inevitable complexity offered by the famous palette of varietals, without losing sight of the essential features that elevated the appellation in the first place. The savoury, pleasantly herbal personality of the 2015, sitting perfectly within a dark fruit core, provides a most encouraging expression of this mission statement. Drink 2020-2028.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
The grandest of all the properties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the one closest to actually having a castle, La Nerthe is a virtually contiguous vineyard, with 90 hectares of calcareous and sandy soils located just to the east of the village. With each new vintage they enhance their reputation as one of the leading “classically modern” estates in the region.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
The grandest of all the properties in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the one closest to actually having a castle, La Nerthe is a virtually contiguous vineyard, with 90 hectares of calcareous and sandy soils located just to the east of the village. With each new vintage they enhance their reputation as one of the leading “classically modern” estates in the region.
For laying down,
Of the 13 plots which make up this wine, the key ones are Beaurenard in the north-west, Charbonnière on the central Crau plateau and Gallimardes in the south... in other words, this has a richly diverse provenance. The blend is 80 percent Grenache, 10 percent Mourvèdre, seven percent Syrah and three percent Cinsault. The wine displays classic aromas of thyme, sous-bois and macerated plum and an equally classic palate, which is long and unnervingly complex. Drink 2020-2028.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
The forebears of sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier have been making superb wines since 1344 it seems, maybe modifying their techniques a little along the way, but not too much. Biodynamic in all but the letter, they are based close to Beaucastel, but their plots, albeit more modest in total surface area, are more widely spaced over the appellation, with the most significant holdings in the areas around Courthézon and on the central Crau plateau. Low yields are key to the exceptional quality of the wines.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
The forebears of sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier have been making superb wines since 1344 it seems, maybe modifying their techniques a little along the way, but not too much. Biodynamic in all but the letter, they are based close to Beaucastel, but their plots, albeit more modest in total surface area, are more widely spaced over the appellation, with the most significant holdings in the areas around Courthézon and on the central Crau plateau. Low yields are key to the exceptional quality of the wines.
Paul Avril et Fils,
Ready, but will improve,
A dazzling marriage of six varieties (Grenache Blanc, Clairette, Roussanne, Picpoul, Picardin and Bourboulenc), this is relatively reticent in youth, lacking the come-hither charm of the modish Roussanne wines, but making up for it in complexity and ageing potential. Its currently dominant floral and critic notes are set to cede to poached pear, then maybe kerosene (à la Riesling) and finally a rich, nutty, hedonistic treat which will be a perfect match for scallops or lobster. Drink 2022-2030+.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Just what is it that has made Clos des Papes the most sought-after address in this village? Vincent Avril has much to say, but the key parts of his exposition to me are exceptionally low yields, widely fragmented plots and a refusal to venerate Mammon by introducing of a series of deluxe cuvées. The wine is therefore the definitive statement of a village that is celebrated for blended complexity, deliciously ironic in a man who appears to have a distinctly Burgundian temperament (in a good sense, needless to say!). This aside, Vincent does not actually vinify by plot, but segregates three or four key blends in the March following harvest, blends which are marked by greater or lesser influence of the minority shareholding grapes and which therefore signal both the character of the vintage and the relative importance of Grenache in the ensemble.
Simon Field MW - Wine Buyer
Just what is it that has made Clos des Papes the most sought-after address in this village? Vincent Avril has much to say, but the key parts of his exposition to me are exceptionally low yields, widely fragmented plots and a refusal to venerate Mammon by introducing of a series of deluxe cuvées. The wine is therefore the definitive statement of a village that is celebrated for blended complexity, deliciously ironic in a man who appears to have a distinctly Burgundian temperament (in a good sense, needless to say!). This aside, Vincent does not actually vinify by plot, but segregates three or four key blends in the March following harvest, blends which are marked by greater or lesser influence of the minority shareholding grapes and which therefore signal both the character of the vintage and the relative importance of Grenache in the ensemble.
Domaine de la Janasse,
For laying down,
Christophe describes this as “the best Chaupin ever”,
and if there was ever an illustration of Grenache
that is richly wrought, powerful and luxuriously
textured, yet still structured and not tipping over into
a decadent over-indulgence, then this would be it. The
herbal hints at the back of the palate ground the wine
magnificently; otherwise it’s an ethereal paean to
Provencal pleasure. Drink 2022-2028.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
and if there was ever an illustration of Grenache
that is richly wrought, powerful and luxuriously
textured, yet still structured and not tipping over into
a decadent over-indulgence, then this would be it. The
herbal hints at the back of the palate ground the wine
magnificently; otherwise it’s an ethereal paean to
Provencal pleasure. Drink 2022-2028.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Domaine de la Janasse,
For laying down,
Well, this year I marginally prefer the Vieilles Vignes,
although I infer that the Sabons might vote for the
Chaupin. Hard to choose really. I love the dense, richly
complex, nervously adolescent splendour of this wine,
its strutting potential and plush, unending generosity,
a long and happy future definitively secured. Drink
2023-2030+.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
although I infer that the Sabons might vote for the
Chaupin. Hard to choose really. I love the dense, richly
complex, nervously adolescent splendour of this wine,
its strutting potential and plush, unending generosity,
a long and happy future definitively secured. Drink
2023-2030+.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Chateau de Beaucastel,
For laying down,
Probably the wine of the vintage (I feel like I say that every year for this cuvee), the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin is a substantial, full-bodied, shockingly concentrated 2014 that gives up classic notes of blackberries, blueberries, forest floor, beef blood and licorice. Mouth-coating and rich with building tannin, it will be approachable at an earlier age than most vintages, yet will still need 5-6 years of cellaring.
Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate (30th October 2015)
Jeb Dunnuck, The Wine Advocate (30th October 2015)
Chateau de Beaucastel,
Ready, but will improve,
2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin- an insanely impressive barrel sample transcends the vintage. Full-bodied, decadent and layered, with massive concentration and purity, it’s loaded with black and blue fruits, violets, truffle, licorice and assorted floral notes. This cuvee always shows fabulous fruit in its youth, and it doesn’t start to gain its hallmark gaminess until after a few years in bottle. In addition, this cooler vintage, with its ample moisture and autumn summer, produced Mourvedre with off-the-charts aromatic purity and perfect ripeness. It will clearly be in the top 1-2 wines and will have 3-4 decades of longevity. Drink: 2023 - 2043
97-100/100 Jeb Dunnuck eRobertParker.com #215 Oct 2014
Coming mostly from a plot of old vines located behind the estate, the Perrin Family’s Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin was first created in 1989 and is a tribute to the late Jacques Perrin, who passed away in 1978. Aged all in foudre and normally a blend of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 10% Counoise and the rest Syrah, it’s only produced in top vintages and there’s normally a scant 400-500 cases to go around. It’s an incredible, yet atypical Châteauneuf du Pape due to its high Mourvèdre content.
97-100/100 Jeb Dunnuck eRobertParker.com #215 Oct 2014
Coming mostly from a plot of old vines located behind the estate, the Perrin Family’s Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin was first created in 1989 and is a tribute to the late Jacques Perrin, who passed away in 1978. Aged all in foudre and normally a blend of 60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 10% Counoise and the rest Syrah, it’s only produced in top vintages and there’s normally a scant 400-500 cases to go around. It’s an incredible, yet atypical Châteauneuf du Pape due to its high Mourvèdre content.
Chateau de Beaucastel,
For laying down,
In Beaucastel itself Mourvèdre just edges the Grenache, its savoury, gently smoky texture hitherto a little austere, serious in deference to the vintage. With Syrah, Counoise and white grapes all evidenced the wine does not want for complexity, with cassis, summer flowers, white chocolate and clove. inter alia, harmoniously entwined. Youthful purity abounds, the child of a very special year. Drink 2022-2030+.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Chateau de Beaucastel,
Ready, but will improve,
The 2000 Châteauneuf du Pape Hommage À Jacques Perrin (60% Mourvedre, 20% Grenache, 10% Counoise, and 10% Syrah) was singing! Open, upfront, sexy and seamless, with awesome notes of saddle leather, Provencal herbs, barnyard, spice and licorice-soaked black cherry and sweet cassis, it hit the palate with full-bodied richness, no hard edges, and an unctuous, heavenly texture. Reminding me of the 1990, yet perhaps just slightly less intense, this is a profound effort that will drink nicely for another two decades or more.
Jeb Dunnuck - 28/02/2015
Jeb Dunnuck - 28/02/2015
Chateau de Beaucastel,
For laying down,
A tasting of the Courrieux vineyard, a single parcel of Mourvèdre planted in 1909 that always makes up around 70% of the blend. It's a wine that makes you inhale deeply. It has a wonderful, regal, stunning nose of violets, blueberries, and blackcurrant almost. It's seamless on the palate, with some camphor, menthol and rosemary notes to the fruit. There's sublime freshness, and the tannins are full and dense but very ripe. A mouth-filling, mouth coating and very intense wine, with a saline finish. Potentially worthy of a perfect score.
Matt Walls - Decanter 09/10/17
Matt Walls - Decanter 09/10/17
Domaine de la Janasse,
Ready, but will improve,
The Vieilles Vignes cuvée is made up of four different plots, each with its own distinctive terroir adding complexity to the ensemble. Most of the vines are from 1940 and 1965, with the youngest 20 percent from 1976 and 1993. The blend is 80 percent Grenache, 15 percent Mourvèdre, three percent Syrah and two percent unattributed. The wine is, as usual, superb, with an evocative garrigue nose and a palate which somehow marries a dark-chocolate plush with an almost ethereal, poetic finish.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
Christophe Sabon took us on the most fascinating vineyard tour in October 2014, underlining once again why he is held in such esteem in the appellation, and why Janasse make such widely praised wines across the spectrum. His sister, Isabelle, who operates the commercial side of the business, places 2013 stylistically between 2010 and 2011; she advises that the wines are a little more powerful than 2011 and perhaps a little rounder than 2010. Praise indeed, but a commentary that seems to be justified by the wines themselves.
Incorporating 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 6% Clairette, the Grenache-dominated 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is gorgeous. Slightly more rich and textured than the Cuvee Chaupin, it boasts tons of blackberry, cassis, ground herbs, crushed flowers and creamy licorice in its full-bodied, layered and ripe personality. The tannin quality here is first-rate, and this will benefit from short-term cellaring and evolve for over a decade.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#215 Oct 2014
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
Christophe Sabon took us on the most fascinating vineyard tour in October 2014, underlining once again why he is held in such esteem in the appellation, and why Janasse make such widely praised wines across the spectrum. His sister, Isabelle, who operates the commercial side of the business, places 2013 stylistically between 2010 and 2011; she advises that the wines are a little more powerful than 2011 and perhaps a little rounder than 2010. Praise indeed, but a commentary that seems to be justified by the wines themselves.
Incorporating 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 6% Clairette, the Grenache-dominated 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is gorgeous. Slightly more rich and textured than the Cuvee Chaupin, it boasts tons of blackberry, cassis, ground herbs, crushed flowers and creamy licorice in its full-bodied, layered and ripe personality. The tannin quality here is first-rate, and this will benefit from short-term cellaring and evolve for over a decade.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#215 Oct 2014
Domaine de la Janasse,
Ready, but will improve,
On the stony plateau of Le Crau, these old Grenache vines were planted in 1912 and are farmed organically. The grapes are late to ripen, the vines being relatively high and exposed to the elements. Patience is rewarded by an outstanding expression of Grenache: silky, rich and exceptionally elegant, its tannins already beautifully integrated, its finish both enduring and endearing.
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
Christophe Sabon took us on the most fascinating vineyard tour in October 2014, underlining once again why he is held in such esteem in the appellation, and why Janasse make such widely praised wines across the spectrum. His sister, Isabelle, who operates the commercial side of the business, places 2013 stylistically between 2010 and 2011; she advises that the wines are a little more powerful than 2011 and perhaps a little rounder than 2010. Praise indeed, but a commentary that seems to be justified by the wines themselves. What could be one of the wines of the vintage, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin, which was harvested October 6-7, has beautiful depth and concentration to go with notes of blackberry, spring flowers, licorice and peppery herbs. Due to the horrible yields for Grenache, production here is down 35%. It should drink nicely on release and have 10-15 years of longevity.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#215 Oct 2014
Simon Field MW - Rhône Buyer
Christophe Sabon took us on the most fascinating vineyard tour in October 2014, underlining once again why he is held in such esteem in the appellation, and why Janasse make such widely praised wines across the spectrum. His sister, Isabelle, who operates the commercial side of the business, places 2013 stylistically between 2010 and 2011; she advises that the wines are a little more powerful than 2011 and perhaps a little rounder than 2010. Praise indeed, but a commentary that seems to be justified by the wines themselves. What could be one of the wines of the vintage, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin, which was harvested October 6-7, has beautiful depth and concentration to go with notes of blackberry, spring flowers, licorice and peppery herbs. Due to the horrible yields for Grenache, production here is down 35%. It should drink nicely on release and have 10-15 years of longevity.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate Issue#215 Oct 2014
Vieux Telegraphe,
Ready, but will improve,
A somewhat modest colour belies a classic nose of crushed blueberry and bayleaf. The palate is more linear than sometimes at such a precocious age, its fruit character favouring the red over the black, its texture emboldened by notes of iodine and even peat. The finish is strong and peppery however, brimming with potential and confirming Daniel Brunier’s descriptions which focus on 2014’s ‘rare elegance’ and ‘great refinement’.
Drink 2017-2025.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Drink 2017-2025.
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer
Ready, but will keep,
Didier prefers to blend before ageing, and given the oxidative nature of Grenache, he prefers to use larger wooden containers. The Reserve is made up of 75% of Grenache, with the balance shared between Syrah and Mourvdre. This year there is no Cinsault in this cuve; the wine is correspondingly richer with more emphasis on the darker fruits. A whistle-clean finish however. Very complete.
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012
Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer, February 2012
Didier Negron is the son-in-law of Jean-Jacques Sabon, who tragically died at the end of 2011 after a long illness. Didier is now the chief winemaker at this increasingly impressive property.. He certainly talks the talk, fluently in English as we found out latterly, but to no great surprise, given his ability elsewhere. Owning 15 parcels across 17 hectares over the appellation, Domaine Sabon produce four cuves of red, the most famous of which is seen as one of the very best wines in Chteauneuf-du-Pape. The secret is out!
Paul Avril et Fils,
Ready, but will improve,
Careless of the apparent vagaries of the vintage, Vincent Avril has produced an outstanding wine in 2014. Despite the virtual exclusion of the troubled Syrah, the wine has a warm and welcoming colour and a typically generous Papes nose of kirsch, Morello cherry, lavender and forest floor.
This generosity pursues us all the very to the very long finish, its most engaging characteristics being the harmony of sweet fruit and savoury tannins and the weight in the mouth which marries Burgundian poise with Mediterranean warmth. An exceptional piece of work, the final blend of which is 50% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, the balance shared principally between Counoise and Vaccarèse.
Drink 2017-2025+
Simon Field MW Wine Buyer
This generosity pursues us all the very to the very long finish, its most engaging characteristics being the harmony of sweet fruit and savoury tannins and the weight in the mouth which marries Burgundian poise with Mediterranean warmth. An exceptional piece of work, the final blend of which is 50% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, the balance shared principally between Counoise and Vaccarèse.
Drink 2017-2025+
Simon Field MW Wine Buyer
Chateau de Beaucastel,
Ready, but will improve,
Château de Beaucastel has been run by several generations of the Perrin family, beginning with the Jacques Perrin (who died in 1978), then brothers Jean-Pierre and François, and now their sons Thomas, Marc, Pierre and Mathieu. The 2014 Beaucastel underlines why this wine is so great; the homogenous site ensures that the sense of terroir is captured, more than ever in a relatively cooler vintage such as 2014. Yet the palette of varietal potential is such that the capacity for fine-tuning is wonderfully complex.
Mourvèdre remains a key component, adding savoury richness and authority at the back of the palate. The young wine is sweetly seductive, with velvety tannins and an herbal backdrop, its backbone and texture both signalling a most promising future. Drink 2019-2025.
Mourvèdre remains a key component, adding savoury richness and authority at the back of the palate. The young wine is sweetly seductive, with velvety tannins and an herbal backdrop, its backbone and texture both signalling a most promising future. Drink 2019-2025.
Ready, but will keep,
Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Roussanne share the honours here with a little less Bourboulenc in support. The citric attack is countered by a broad texture, redolent of honey, oatmeal and crystallised fruit.
The ensemble is linear and precise, without forgoing a satisfying mid-palate breadth. The only reasonable way to challenge and resolve such an apparent paradox is, of course, to taste the wine. A great success, further enhancing the reputation of the house, in this instance, for its whites.
Drink now to 2019.
Simon Field MW Wine Buyer
The ensemble is linear and precise, without forgoing a satisfying mid-palate breadth. The only reasonable way to challenge and resolve such an apparent paradox is, of course, to taste the wine. A great success, further enhancing the reputation of the house, in this instance, for its whites.
Drink now to 2019.
Simon Field MW Wine Buyer
Drink 2019-2014.
Simon Field MW – Wine Buyer