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2015 - Vintages in « 5 », vintages which bring good luck. Often…
Spell of the years in « 5 » ? The fact is that, in recent decades, Vintages ending in « 5 » - 1985, 1995, 2005, and 2015 - , carry success stories, in Vallée du Rhône, but also, more generally, in the whole of the Vineyards of France. It must be said that 2015 put the odds on its side, with almost optimal climatic conditions for each and every season of the year! Thus, winter is rainy, allowing vines to benefit from good water reserves. Spring awakening is somewhat late - 3 weeks delay, compared to 2014, yet, the weather gradually settles, and flowering takes place in excellent conditions: the output of grapes is quite simply outstanding. The summer period arrives then quickly, with extremely hot months of June, July and August. Nevertheless, one cannot speak of heat wave, as the nights remain cool. Consequently, thermal amplitudes are absolutely phenomenal. No pressure from pests and diseases, the vineyard and the winemaker breathe freely. Everything is looking fine before the start of the harvest…
Ripe, but not too much. Summer and the month of September are punctuated by rains, avoiding the suffering of the vines, a key element during the summer period. The grapes mature slowly. Unfortunately, the rain that falls around September 20th is the "too much” rain... Pity, we were right next to a huge Vintage… But, well, no worry, the Style of the Vintage remains more than charming, with full, juicy, and silkiest Wines !
Bas de la Crau.
Type of soilSand.
Ageing12 months in one and two vintage barrels - Allier et Tronçais. Then 12 months in foudre.
Vinification100% non destemmed.
14°C
Decant 2 hours before tasting.
We are in the presence of a firmly standing Wine, displaying a gorgeous opulence. A lot of restraint, at this stage, in the expression of its aromatic power : we will take its full measure in a few years time...
14,5%
BottlingWithout fining and filtration.
CépagesGrenache : 99 %
As to the reds, all of these show beautiful purity of fruit and impeccably made profiles. As a whole, 2015 was consistent throughout the Southern Rhône, and you see that consistency in this lineup. From 100-year-old Grenache vines planted in sandy parts of the La Crau lieu-dit, the blockbuster 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Spéciale knocks it out of the park with its decadent notes of kirsch, blackberries, Provençal garrigue and graphite aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, deep, rich and concentrated, it has an inherent, Grenache-driven sexiness that I adore.
Jeb Dennuck
Wine Advocate
, 93-96/100
, 2016-11-01
Deep ruby. Very rich nose. Really intense fruit followed by almost medicinal flavours and masses of tannin. Ambitious. But great finesse of texture too. And quite a bit of alcohol on the end with real juiciness.
Jancis Robinson
Jancis Robinson
, 17+/20
, 2016-10-14
Lurid ruby. Deeply perfumed cherry, raspberry, licorice and Asian spice aromas open up with air and pick up suggestions of candied flowers and smoky minerals. Palate-staining red berry and bitter cherry flavors are lifted and given focus by a core of smoky minerality. Concentrated and seamless in texture, delivering outstanding closing thrust, supple tannins and lingering florality.
Josh Raynolds
Vinous
, 93-95/100
, 2016-12-31
Provenant des sables du nord de l'appellation, ce Châteauneuf très équilibré allie une grande complexité à des épices remarquables, sur des tannins magistralement fins. Une merveille!
Guide Bettane et Desseauve des vins de France
, 18/20
, 2017-08-30