Harvested late, at the beginning of october this was, as usual, whole bunch fermented, with no destemming. Here, once again, the great terroirs made the difference. Grenache grown on sandy soils suffered less from the capriciousness of the growing season, allowing the grapes to reach optimal maturity - with ripe stems.
The vintage

A Vintage saved by the months of September and October, which were exceptional.
A summer-like spring and a spring-like summer and an optimal autumn… This, more or less, summarises the Vintage.
The weather conditions in spring, reminiscent of summer, suggested that it would be a relatively early harvest. But a summer, which more resembled spring in character, slowed down the maturity, above all that of Grenache. Autumn, however, enhanced eve-rything, and, ultimately, provided fantastic condi-tions for the harvest.
The conditions during the growing cycle really fa-voured Syrah and Mourvèdre. Grenache has suffered somewhat from a chilly and rainy July. Yields were also high, which tended to impede maturation and was a potential risk to the overall health of the grapes.
As is so often the case in these conditions, Old Vines in Great Terroirs come into their own. Wines made from such vines and those which follow are, in my opinion, really exceptional. They are however an exception, representing a tiny proportion of the overall production.Buyers, beware, and be careful, therefore, when choosing your Wines!

Terroir

Bas de la Crau.

Type of soil

Sand.

Ageing

One and two vintage barrels - Allier et Tronçais.

Alcohol content

14,5%

Bottling

Without fining and filtration.

Cépages

Grenache : 100 %

... La robe est pourpre aux reflets rouges. Le bouquet est chargé de parfums capiteux et métalliques: olives noires, compote de fruits rouges, poivre y sont ensoleillés par de puissantes exhalaisons kirschées. L'attaque est tendue, musclée. Les tannins parcourent le palais en laissant des traces de leurs efforts jusqu'en rétro-olfaction: cannelle, piments doux, crème de cerises noires, graphite et santal. La finale est chaude, sanguine. Prunes et groseilles la dominent en écrasant leurs concurrents. L'un des meilleurs vins issus du négoce français, notamment en 2011.

Le Magazine du vin , 94/100 , 2015-08-01

Sanguine, cedar and sandalwood notes lead the way, with a core of lightly mulled red currant, black cherry and plum fruit in reserve. A graphite accent frames the finish, revealing a peppery echo.

James Molesworth
Wine Spectator , 91/100 , 2014-05-31

(100% grenache): Brilliant ruby-red. Ripe red fruits, spicecake, woodsmoke and pungent herbs on the intensely perfumed nose. Stains the palate with sappy raspberry and floral pastille flavors, picking up a bitter chocolate nuance on the back half. Clings with superb tenacity on the incisive finish, which shows lasting floral and spice notes.

Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar , 92/100 , 2014-02-01

Made from 100% Grenache with 100% stems utilized and grown in sandy soils in the La Crau sector, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Speciale reveals classic aromas of kirsch, pepper and earth as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel. It achieved over 15% natural alcohol and was aged in a combination of tanks and old barrels. This outstanding, spicy Chateauneuf should drink well for over a decade.

Robert Parker
Wine Advocate , 90-93/100 , 2012-10-01