2018 Domaine Isabel Ferrando Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis
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Tasting notes
As extravagantly fleshy as it is seriously concentrated, this is a very impressive 2018 Chateauneuf, in which the well-crafted tannin structure precisely matches the very generous ripeness. Glides over the palate beautifully and off into the distance. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Shimmering ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red/blue fruits, potpourri and incense, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy to the sappy black raspberry, boysenberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors, which are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Impressively lithe for its heft, finishing on a gently tannic note, with fine delineation and floral lift.
Tasted from bottle, the 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Colombis comes from a single lieu-dit and is 100% Grenache brought up all in demi-muids. I thought it could be the wine of the vintage last year, and it’s certainly not far off, offering a sensational bouquet of Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, spiced meat, and red and black fruits. Reminding me of a slightly toned-down version of the 2007, it’s full-bodied and has a beautifully layered, elegant texture, sweet tannins, and a gorgeous finish. The 2018s do not get much better than this, and this beauty can be drunk any time over the coming 15 years or more.
About the producer
Famille Isabel Ferrando is a leading wine producer in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.