2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2015 Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Barbe Rac comes from a single vineyard on the western side of the appellation. Made from 100% Grenache and brought up all in concrete tank, it offers a gorgeous bouquet of strawberry jam, garrigue, pepper and dried meat. Full-bodied, powerful, elegant and seamless on the palate, with a savory, layered, complex profile, give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 10-15. The ever-active Michel Chapoutier continues to churn out a huge number of high-quality wines, both from his base in the northern Rhône as well as here in the south. While his top cuvées are always noteworthy, his value releases have soared in quality over the past few years and these are well worth your time and money.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is 100% Grenache, but this parcel is located on the western edge of the appellation, in what Chapoutier describes as a hot, dry location—even in the context of the appellation. From vines planted in 1901-1902, this is a dense, plummy wine, oozing with concentrated fruit and even turning a bit fudge-like on the long, supple finish. I don't expect it to age quite as well as the Croix de Bois, but it's still a thrilling wine.
Lurid ruby. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red berries, candied lavender, incense and Asian spices. Concentrated raspberry, cinnamon, floral pastille and rhubarb flavors stain the palate and show an alluring sweetness and strong energy on the back half. Plays power off finesse with a deft hand and finishes extremely long and spicy; well-knit tannins make a late appearance.
About the producer
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro
Red
Dry