2015 Chateauneuf du Pape la Combe des Fous
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Tasting Notes
Full, bright robe. The bouquet has savoury qualities, is expressive, based on mixed herbs including rosemary, and neat raspberry-mulberry fruit. It’s well rounded. The palate gives a liberal run of black berry fruits, hands out an inkling of a stylish wine in the making. The finish is assertive and grainy, with a marked gummy element of power as well. It has good heart, and will develop well, the length assured. Sep 2016, www.drinkrhone.com
Critic Scores
Average Score
John Livingstone-Learmonth, Drink Rhône
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Opaque ruby. Intensely perfumed aromas of ripe dark berries, candied lavender, cola and white pepper, accompanied by a hint of musky earth in the background. Juicy and broad on the palate, offering alluringly sweet black currant, cherry liqueur and spicecake flavors that pick up a refreshingly bitter edge with air. The dark berry note repeats strongly on the youthfully tannic finish, which clings with superb persistence and lingering florality. Mar 2017, www.vinous.com
A healthy 25% of this cuvee is Syrah aged in new oak, which impacts the aromas and flavors of the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape La Combe des Fous in a substantial way. Baking spices and vanilla are apparent, but there are plenty of bold red-fruit flavors to balance them out. The one wobble is that the alcohol (a whopping 16%) shows through a bit on the finish. I'd opt for drinking this plush, voluptuous wine over the near term. Oct 2017, www.robertparker.com