2019 Domaine de la Charbonniere Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale

About the Wine

97 points. 96 points. 95 points. This Chateauneuf-du-Pape is a darling with wine critics. It could be because of its high Syrah component—39%, much higher than most of the wines from the region that are Grenache-focused. That Syrah brings in a little something wild to the wine, and critics and wine lovers are all in for it.

The critical love could also be because for the past decade, ever since Maret family member Veronique took over the winemaking a decade ago, she paid special attention to the vineyards, putting organic viticulture into place. Two years after she began the sustainable move, there was a marked improvement in the estate’s already well-made wines. 

2019 saw Veronique garner some of her best scores yet for her wines, aided by a decade of experience and a 95-point vintage in the region. James Suckling raves that the wine has “balance is so good you could drink it right away,” and he’s right. But, it also has the acid and tannic backbone needed to age for ten years.

This is one fantastic CdP from a winery and winemaker that is on the rise. But, since it’s still a bit under the radar, all of Charbonnière’s wines, including the Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale are a fantastic value. 

Aging: Malolactic fermentation is made in demi-muids and oak vats. Elevage continues in oak vats and in demi-muids.

Tasting Notes: This cuvée offers aromatic intensity of black fruits, spices, and chocolate notes. The mouth is distinguished by the concentrated aromas of black fruits, spices, leather, and wild.

Reviews

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Les Hautes Brusquières (60/40 Grenache and Syrah) comes from a cooler terroir near the Mount Redon plateau and was brought up in oak tronconique tanks and demi-muids. Its dense purple, almost opaque hue is followed by a brilliant perfume of mulled red and black fruits, peppery herbs, crushed stone, violets, and licorice. With full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimensional texture, and just about perfect tannins, it's another superstar wine from this estate that's up with the finest vintages to date. ~97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck.

Brimming with sweet plums, but also plenty of meatiness and licorice on the nose. Powerful and very concentrated, thanks to the full, plush tannin on the spicy palate, this is an extremely structured Chateauneuf made for long-term aging. However, the balance is so good you could drink it right away. Very long, velvety finish. ~96 Points, James Suckling.

This year, my favorite of the four 2019s from this fine estate is the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale, which emerges from a single parcel of galets roulés planted to a 60-40 mix of Grenache and Syrah. Partially destemmed, it reveals some herbal, stemmy elements on the nose, giving a sense of freshness to the super-ripe black cherry fruit, plus ephemeral notions of tea leaves and rose petals. Full-bodied, silky, and concentrated, this wine is long and complex on the finish, with hints of dark chocolate, plum, and red berries. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. ~95 Points, Robert Parker.

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