2011 Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Quartz*
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
The 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz—which wasn't harvested until two weeks after the sugars reached 15 degrees of potential alcohol, to allow the tannins time to ripen properly—remains a wonderful success. Initial notes of fig give way to raspberries and cherries, which still seem fairly fresh. Full-bodied, silky and fine, with a long, elegant finish, it may be enjoyed now and over the next few years.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Quartz tastes like a lighter version of the 2012, or even a lighter weight 2009. Lots of sunny red fruits, kirsch, licorice, and ground pepper notes all emerge on the nose, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a rounded, powerful, yet weightless texture, and a great finish. I like it today, and it’s certainly mature, so I would opt for drinking this over the coming 7-8 years. It’s certainly more evolved than the 2012.
(85% grenache and 15% syrah): Bright ruby. Candied cherry, blackberry, anise and lavender on the deeply scented nose. Offers palate-staining dark fruit flavors that become livelier and spicier with air. Closes smooth and very long, with velvety tannins adding shape and gentle grip. Just as impressive as the Safres but in a darker style, with perhaps less elegance but more heft and power. Call it a Bonnes-Mares to the Safre's Musigny.