2013 Chateauneuf du Pape

The 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape is another impeccably made, pure, fruit forward and delicious beauty that gives up plenty of Provençal charm in its black raspberry, sweet cherry, crushed flower and Provençal-herb driven personality. This was made from 52% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre that was raised in a combination of concrete tanks (15%), foudre (50%) and barrel (35%), drink bottles through 2023.

35% Clairette, 28% Roussanne, 28% Grenache Blanc, 9% Bourboulenc. Lively, complex, quite intense nose with lots of acidity. Not rich but well balanced. Bit of a fast fade. (JR)

50% Grenache, 28% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 2% others. 35% of the blend is aged for 12 months in barrique, 50% in foudres and 15% in concrete tanks. Dark crimson. Very sweet, almost overripe notes. More than a hint of oak on the nose. Rich strawberry fruit. A bit of heat on the finish – unusual in 2013. Seems as though it has been fashioned to impress. (JR)