2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Apotres
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Tasting notes
A hugely diverse mix of grape varieties—Grenache makes up the largest portion, at 38%, with none of the others (including multiple white varieties) accounting for more than 10%—macerated four months on skins in amphorae and then aged in amphorae for another 18 months, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Apotres offers up unique scents of asphalt, mocha, celery seed, red raspberries and cherries. It's medium to full-bodied, tight and structured, yet not hard or even overly firm, streamlined on the palate and finishing long. Tasted blind.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Lastly, I was blown away by the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Apotres, which, had I looked at last year’s barrel sample, wouldn’t have been so surprising. An interesting blend of 38% Grenache followed by every variety out there, aged in clay jars, it reveals a deeper ruby/purple (yet lighter rim) color to go with fabulous notes of darker cherries, blackberries, spice, and flowers. Flawlessly balanced, silky, and pure, it’s another wine from this brilliant estate that, for whatever reason, brought to mind a Grand Cru Red Burgundy while tasting it.
Vivid ruby-red. Suave, spice-accented aromas of black raspberry, cherry liqueur, garrigue and succulent flowers pick up a smoky mineral nuance in the glass. Concentrated yet lively red and dark berry liqueur and fruitcake flavors stain the palate and display superb clarity and spicy lift. Finishes sappy and precise, with silky tannins and resonating red fruit preserve and floral notes. Made from all 13 permitted varieties and raised in clay amphoras.
About the producer
Domaine Raymond Usseglio is one of the leading producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, producing a number of different red and white cuvées from the appellation. The domaine’s most famous wine is their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Impériale, which comes exclusively from vines that are over 100 years old.
Product details
Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz
Red
Dry