Domaine La Barroche (Julien Barrot): Chateauneuf du Pape

Whilst this small estate is relatively new to estate bottling (first vintage 2003) in the list of producers of Chateauneuf, the Barrot family that owns these 12.5 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape have been established in the village since about 1400. The average age of the vines at La Barroche is 60 years old and one third of the vineyards are more than 100 years old (Grenache). Most of the vineyards of the estate are located in the north and north-east of the appellation with just a few plots located close to the town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the southern side. Vinification here is classic with cement tanks used for fermentation and a mixture of cement and large foudres used for elevage of the Grenache based components and smaller oak used for the ageing of Syrah and Mourvedre based components. In the cellar wine is moved by gravity and done according to the lunar calendar and weather patterns. The wines of La Barroche are modern in the best sense, clean, pure and brilliant.

“Pure’ is as close to a great vintage of Rayas as one will find” R.Parker

2008 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “La Barroche”     66% Grenache (several parcels over 100 years old), 15% Mourvedre, 6% Cinsault, 13% Syrah. All Grenache aged in tank and foudres, Mourvedre aged in barriques.

“Deep ruby. Darker, more pungent fruits on the nose than the Terroir, displaying notes of licorice and black cardamom. Chewy and tightly wound, offering bitter cherry and blackberry flavors and a sexy note of candied lavender. Brighter red fruits emerge with air and carry through a persistent, spicy finish. All of the old vines grenache that is usually destined to be bottled as Pure was included in this bottling.” 90 Steve Tanzer Mar/Apr 2011

2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Terroirs”

“The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Terroir 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre, aged in foudre (80%) and stainless steel (20%) is slightly less intense than the signature, but it possesses good color saturation as well as excellent ripeness. While it does not reveal the complexity or density I expected, it may put on weight as Barroche wines have done in the past. It is certainly pure, well-made and impressively endowed. Consume it over the next 7-10 years.” 87-89 points Robert Parker #191 Oct 2010

2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Signature”

“The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Signature, which comes from a combination of sandy, limestone and clay soils, is composed of 66% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah and 6% Cinsault (72% aged in foudre and 28% in small barrels). Exhibiting outstanding potential, it boasts a dark ruby/purple-tinged color in addition to a sweet perfume of black cherry liqueur, lavender, spring flowers, pepper and garrigue, medium to full body, a silky texture and a generous personality. It should drink nicely for 10-12 years.” 88-90 points Robert Parker #191 Oct 2010

2009 Chateauneuf-du-Pape “Pure” – ON ALLOCATION

100% Grenache from the sandy Grand Pierre vineyard next to Rayas which was planted in 1901, as well as Pointu and Rayas.

“Made from 100% Grenache from the three sectors of Grand Pierre, Pointu and Rayas, the 2009 exhibits a dark ruby color in addition to quintessential Grenache aromas of kirsch liqueur, raspberries, licorice and lavender. Finesse and elegance combined with power, concentration, a voluptuous texture and medium to full body result in a -pure- expression of old vine Grenache.” 92-94 points Robert Parker #191 Oct 2010

“Inky purple. Explosively perfumed, kaleidoscopic bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, incense, graphite, anise and potpourri. Deeply concentrated dark fruit flavors reach every corner of the palate, picking up bitter chocolate, lavender pastille and mineral qualities with air. Becomes spicier on the finish, leaving behind strong notes of blueberry, flowers and smoky minerals.” 95-97 points Steve Tanzer Jan/Feb 2009