Wine Advisor
M. Chapoutier, Chateauneuf Du Pape Barbe Rac 1995
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Production in 1995 was 10 hectoliters per hectare (about two-thirds of a ton of fruit per acre). The 1995 is reminiscent of a young 1978. The huge nose of kirsch, black raspberries, and minerals is followed by a backward, dense, powerful Chateauneuf du Pape of legendary richness, as well as striking intensity and depth. This opaque purple-colored wine is massive in the mouth, as well as somewhat tannic. It is a magnificent example of old-style Chateauneuf du Pape, the likes of which are rarely seen. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2025. Last tasted 6/96.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Chapoutier's Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is made from a tiny parcel of old vines (planted in 1901) near the famed Chateau La Gardine. Production in 1995 was ten hectoliters per hectare (about two-thirds of a ton of fruit per acre). The 1995 is reminiscent of a young 1978. The huge nose of kirsch, black-raspberries, and minerals is followed by a backward, dense, powerful Chateauneuf du Pape of legendary-like richness, as well as striking intensity and depth. This opaque purple-colored wine is massive in the mouth, as well as somewhat tannic. It needs 5-6 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30+ years. It is a magnificent example of old style Chateauneuf du Pape, the likes of which are rarely seen. This wine was tasted between June 1 and June 16, 1996. Importer: Paterno Imports, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 247-7070
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1995 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is a fragrant wine with a dense purple color, and a sensational Provencal nose of olives, jammy black cherries and raspberries, roasted herbs, and pepper. Extremely dense and huge in the mouth, with massive body, glycerin, and tannin, this powerful Chateauneuf du Pape requires cellaring. Anticipated maturity for this luxury cuvee: 2000-2020.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Although closed and backward, the 1995 exhibits a promising, muscular, virile style. 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.
