2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Signature
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Tasting notes
In 2018, Julien Barrot bottled a single 600-liter demi-muid of Mourvèdre as the Domaine la Barroche 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape ?, an incredibly silky version of Mourvèdre that should nevertheless age well for up to two decades. Hints of truffle and tree bark join black cherries on the nose, while the wine is full-bodied and concentrated yet also remarkably elegant and composed. Just lovely stuff, but it's likely only available from the domaine.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. Spice-accented cherry and blueberry on the nose, along with baking spice, succulent herb and floral nuances. Appealingly sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering sappy red and blue fruit and spicecake flavors that deepen through the back half. Finishes long and subtly smoky, with repeating florality and even tannins lending subtle grip.
The base cuvée from the young, passionate (and incredibly talented) Julien Barrot, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Julien Barrot checks as a blend of 60% Grenache, 19% Mourvèdre, and the balance a mix of other permitted varieties. Partially destemmed and brought up in a mix of foudres, demi-muids, and a small portion in stainless steel, it has a great nose of red and black raspberries, framboise, spring flowers, and peppery garrigue. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it displays a notable sense of elegance and purity, light yet present tannins, and a great finish, all making for a terrific base cuvée that I would be happy to drink any time over the coming 10-12 years or so.
About the producer
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault
Red
Dry