Wine Advisor
M. Chapoutier, Chateauneuf Du Pape Barbe Rac 1989
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1989 Barbe Rac is made from minuscule yields of 14 hectoliters per hectare, which may be the most conservative production of the entire appellation. The sad news is that there are only 600 cases of this magnificent wine. With a huge bouquet of herbs, licorice, chocolate, and berry fruit, it is extraordinary. In the mouth it displays exceptional density, concentration, high tannins, and an overall impression of layers of richness and remarkable persistence on the palate. The wine does not taste alcoholic despite its considerable size and power. This is a sensational expression of Chateauneuf du Pape. Anticipated maturity: 1998-2022. Last tasted 12/95.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
No tasting note.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
A classic for the vintage, the tight, muscular, tannic, saturated ruby/purple-colored 1989 requires another 3-5 years of cellaring. The bouquet offers up scents of Provencal herbs, pepper, garrigue, licorice, and gobs of kirsch liqueur. Full-bodied and powerful as well as extremely tannic, it will be drinkable between 2008-2020+. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
About the Producer
Founded in 1808, M. Chapoutier owns 175 hectares of vines in five appellations in the Rhone Valley and is now run by the energetic and brilliant Michel Chapoutier. Since Michel started running the estate, the quality of the winemaking has improved very quickly and the philosophy of winemaking has changed considerably. Michel Chapoutier's achievements caused an instant sensation in the winemaking world and he completely changed the way Chapoutier wines were made and the winemaking process, eventually making wines to rival those made by Marcel Guigal, one of the best winemakers in the Rhone Valley. The vineyards of Château Sapoutier range from the Rhone Valley to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a number of quality vineyards planted with Syrah, Grenache, Marsanne, Roussanne and other major grape varieties. The winery is "mono-varietal" (i.e. making wines from a single variety), for example, all Syrah for the Châteauneuf-du-Rotie wines, all Marsanne for the Hermitage whites and all Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines. The wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape are all Grenache. Château Sapoutier has worked tirelessly to improve the quality of its wines, even though each single vineyard produces far more than the 500 cases of fine wine. Since 1989, Château Sapoutier has been using biodynamic farming and winemaking methods with the aim of producing wines that are the purest and closest to the natural terroir. Every decision, every step of the viticultural and winemaking process is designed to add to the terroir, varietal character and vintage identity of the wines. Only wild yeasts are used for fermentation and the wines are made in small oak barrels. The best red and white wines are not clarified or filtered before bottling.
