Rating:
95
Jeb Dunnuck - jebdunnuck.com
A blend of 98% Grenache and 1% each of Cinsault and Clairette, brought up in demi-muids and foudre, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape A La Gloire De Mon Grand-Pere has a rocking, medium to full-bodied, layered style as well as notes of kirsch, dried earth, ground pepper, and garrigue. This is another sexy, seamless, layered wine from this estate that's going to benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and shine for a decade.
Product Description:
This estate, under the helm of Nicolas Boiron, continues to fashion a wealth of fabulous wines, and they’ve done well in both 2017 and 2018. Looking at the Châteauneuf du Papes, there are generally three cuvées produced in every vintage. First, a classic cuvée that’s partially destemmed and brought up in foudre and demi-muids. Secondly, their A La Gloire De Mon Grand Pere, which was first made in 2001, is 100% Grenache that’s raised mostly in demi-muids. And lastly, the Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is the old vine cuvee of the estate and is 85% Grenache with the balance Syrah and Mourvèdre, that’s not destemmed and aged in concrete tanks. In addition, they produced a cuvée La Folie in 2007, 2015, and 2016 which as an 80/20 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre brought up in plenty of new oak. Both the traditional cuvée and the Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes are more classic, traditionally styled Châteauneuf du Papes and the A La Gloire De Mon Grand-Pere and La Folie are more polished, modern styled wines (particularly the La Folie). Regardless, these are all rich, powerful, character-filled wines well worth seeking out. - Jeb Dunnuck
