2013 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
Deep ruby. Deep-pitched aromas of blue fruit preserves, incense and smoky Indian spices develop a vanilla element the glass. Offers gentle black raspberry and boysenberry flavors, focused and lifted by spice and mineral accents. Smoky and pliant on the finish, which hangs on with very good tenacity and youthful tannic grip.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape is a terrific success in the vintage. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, it reveals lots of exotic spice, pepper, creamy licorice, ample dark fruits and a hint of graphite (no doubt from the barrel aging) on the nose. This flows to a medium to full-bodied wine that has lots of fruit, solid mid-palate depth, and more charm and personality than most in the vintage. It will have 10-12 or more years of longevity.
Youthful purple color. Pungent aromas of blueberry, licorice and succulent herbs, with a subtle cracked pepper nuance building in the glass. Juicy, concentrated and expansive, offering smoky dark berry compote and licorice flavors and a hint of spiciness. Supple tannins shape the clinging, smoke-tinged finish, which leaves a warm note of dark fruits behind.
70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. 14 to 16 months in barrique. Dark purple. Tired, rather overripe fruit. Satin texture. Such a lot of effort has gone into the making of this wine, it’s a shame the grapes didn’t have more freshness. (JR)