2016 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Bernardine”

• Top of the pyramid Rhone producer
• Textbook GSM from Châteauneuf du Pape
  
• Biodynamic farming practices
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About the Wine

Originally established in 1808, Maison Chapoutier, is one of the most admired brands in the world of wine. Today, the estate is overseen by Micheal Chapoutier who has continued to build upon the family legacy by purchasing new high quality vineyard holdings and, in 1991, implemented biodynamic farming practices throughout the estate. Arguably the Rhone's most decorated producer, each wine is a photo graphic image of where it's from. Respect, bold, tradition, excellence, and prestige all embody the Chapoutier name if you've never had a sip of excellence, now's your chance!

Since 1996, each wine from the estate is inscribed with a Braille description of the wine. This is to honor of Maurice Monier de la Sizeranne, who invented the first abridged version of Braille, and who once owned vines on the hill of Hermitage that are now overseen my Maison Chapoutier. 

This is classic Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre blend that comes together perfectly, producing meditative notes. The grapes are destemmed before the wine is vinified in concrete tanks. The wine undergoes a 3 week fermentation before being aged in concrete tanks for 15 months. The wine is literally a rock star now, but will age for another 10-15+ years. The stellar "La Bernardine" showcases the GSM blends elegance, silky tannin structure, and finesse. 

Tasting Notes

In the glass, the wine boasts a crimson red. The nose is dominated by complex and subtle, blackcurrant and plum followed by roasted coffee and cinnamon, cherry, morello cherry. On the palate, the wine is spicy and fruity with a hint of licorice.

Critical Reviews

Limpid ruby-red. Lively red berry, floral pastille and Asian spice aromas are complemented by suggestions of musky garrigue and smoky minerals. Appealingly sweet, focused and seamless in the mouth, offering sappy raspberry, cherry, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that slowly deepen on the back half. Clings with very good authority on the subtly tannic finish, which leaves floral and spice notes behind. ~92Vinous

Still in concrete, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape la Bernardine is the most flattering young version of this cuvée I can recall tasting. Loaded with black cherry fruit, it's full-bodied, rich and velvety yet not overdone, showing subtle dried spice notes and a long, fresh finish. It should drink well for a decade. ~91/93RP

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