2015 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau Ouest
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The smallest production cuvée is the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau Ouest, and it's made from 100% Grenache, all from the la Crau lieu-dit, that was completely destemmed and aged all in terracotta jars for 18 months. It's the most classic of the lineup, with lots of black cherries, licorice, dusty earth and hints of forest floor. Rich, concentrated and layered, with a great texture, it too is going to keep for 10-15 years.
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Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
My top pick from the outstanding lineup of Santa Duc's 2015 Châteauneufs was the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape La Crau Ouest, of which only 200 cases were produced. This pure Grenache offers sumptuous aromas of violets and roses to go along with cherries and licorice. It's full-bodied, intense, deep and long, with tannins that properly support the wine's complexities rather than overwhelming them.
(made from 80-year-old vines and raised in clay amphoras for 18 months) Lurid ruby. Powerful cherry and raspberry liqueur aromas are complicated by intense floral and Indian spice nuances. Sappy, sweet and broad on entry, then tighter in the midpalate, offering juicy, densely packed red and blue flavors that turn sweeter and more energetic on the back half. Shows a suave lavender pastille quality on the impressively persistent finish, which is given shape by smooth, harmonious tannins.
La Crau (west). 100% Grenache. Destemmed. Vinification at 25 °C in concrete tanks. Aged for 18 months in terracotta jars. pH 3.68, TA 3.52 g/l. Tasted blind. Transparent cherry red. Fades on the palate after a rather industrial nose. Simple. I’m not sure why this is a cuvée spéciale? Rather stringy nose with stewed fruit. (JR)