Bottle Notes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

2004 Domaine la Barroche Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Pure – Bottle Notes

Christian and Julien Barrot’s Domaine La Barroche arrived on the scene with some very good 2004s, and sensational 2005s, most notably the amazing 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure. The Pure cuvee is made from 100% old vine Grenache planted in sandy soils not far from the legendary Chateau Rayas. It is aged totally in old wood foudres.

I decanted this for an hour and, despite 8 years of bottle age, the wine is still surprisingly primary. Ruby red in color. Garrigue and herbs de Provence on the nose. Raspberries, spice, orange rind, strawberries, kirsch and pepper on the palate. By the second glass more traditional CdP flavors of iodine, blood, game, baking spice and plums began to emerge. The finish is exceptionally long and silky. Structured, prominent tannins and great acidity. This wine could use another 5-7 years in the cellar. There is a lot to like here – this is a producer I will continue to search out.

My rating: 94 points

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