Rhône Valley, France
Lucian Barrot farms 24 parcels scattered through the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation. His vines are 50 years old on average, and his winemaking is strictly traditional; using whole-cluster fermentation and large, neutral barrels to avoid oak flavors. The wine opens with aromas of gravelly tilled earth, raspberry fruit leather, dried orange peel, roses, figs, black pepper, tar, and a touch of balsamic reduction. On the palate, the wine is full bodied, with elegant tannins wrapped around a core of black cherry cordial, Mandarin orange peel, more black pepper and garrigue-scented earth which lingers on a ribbon of freshening acidity through the graceful finish.
80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault 5% Mourvedre
