2020 Domaine La Boutiniere Chateauneuf du Pape Rhone France

Domaine La Boutiniere was founded in 1920 by Félix Vidal. This family -owned company is now run by Fourth-Generation winemaker, Frédéric Boutin, who has been the owner and winemaker since 1997. Domaine La Boutiniere has 27 acres of vineyards in 8 different parcels within Châteauneuf-du-Pape, including the Crus of La Crau, Le Boucou, Coste Froid, and Roumiguière. Vines are an average of 70 years old and the wines are produced from all 13 grape varieties allowed in the Chateauneuf appellation.

The grapes come from several select plots: “Le Boucoup” with dark red soil on old alluvium with rolled pebbles (Galets roulés) and red clay subsoil, “Les Marines,”“le Bois de la Ville” and “Coste-Froide” which has red, stony alluvium soil over a red clay subsoil. The vines, which average 70 years old, grow at an elevation of 394 feet above sea-level.

Winemaking & Aging:  Grapes are hand-harvested with sorting in the vineyard and in the cellar, 70% destemmed. The grapes varieties are vinified separately, in thermoregulated concrete tanks, with pumping-over and maceration for 25 to 30 days. The wine is aged for 12 months: 50% in wood vats, 30% in barrels and 20% in concrete vats.

Tasting Notes:  Notes of sage and licorice on the nose. A complex palate with red currant, crushed raspberry and berries. The tannins are smooth and the mid-palate offers a singular freshness. Provençal herbs linger on the finish along with nutmeg and ginger.

A blend of 70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Cinsault.