Wine Advisor
M. Chapoutier, Chateauneuf Du Pape Barbe Rac 1996
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac was harvested between September 22 and October 3. This luxury cuvee is one of the densest, most concentrated wines of the vintage. The tell-tale notes of kirsch, raspberries, pepper, and Provencal herbs are present, but the wine possesses more muscle, tannin, and structure than most 1996 Chateauneufs. Tiny yields of 9 hectoliters per hectare (just over 1/2 ton of fruit per acre) contributed to the wine's density. Given its grip and structure, it is one of the few 1996 Chateauneuf du Papes to require 3-5 years of cellaring; it will keep for 15+ years.
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
Starting with the 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac, this single vineyard effort is 100% Grenache that comes from a site in the western portion of the appellation. Starting out a touch funky, it cleaned up beautifully with time in the glass and offers a perfumed, complex and sweetly fruited bouquet of ripe cherries, black raspberries, rose petals and flowers. Pure, fully mature, silky and perfectly balanced, it is a fabulous example of mature Grenache to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years.
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac displays an exotic nose of barbeque spices, burning wood, and sweet cherry fruit. The plum/cherry color reveals some lightening at the edge. The wine is full-bodied and dense, with copious spice, tobacco, and earthy notes. This rich, chewy, outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the finest wines of the vintage. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
Starting with the 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac, this single vineyard effort is 100% Grenache that comes from a site in the western portion of the appellation. Starting out a touch funky, it cleaned up beautifully with time in the glass and offers a perfumed, complex and sweetly fruited bouquet of ripe cherries, black raspberries, rose petals and flowers. Pure, fully mature, silky and perfectly balanced, it is a fabulous example of mature Grenache to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years.
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.
