Wine Advisor
M. Chapoutier, Chateauneuf Du Pape Barbe Rac 2001
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
There are approximately 500 cases of this wine. It is a large-scaled Chateauneuf du Pape that represents the antithesis of La Bernardine. This wine has been spectacular, and I have been a frequent buyer and consumer of this wine since the first vintage Michel Chapoutier made, 1989. The Barbe Rac is a 100% Grenache cuvee produced from a vineyard planted in 1901 near the famed La Gardine estate. It is aged 80% in tank and 20% in large demi-muids barrels. Remarkably, the 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is even more profound than the 2000. It smells like an open air Provencal market. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with a nose of garrigue, licorice, kirsch liqueur, cassis, and new saddle leather, this superbly concentrated, full-bodied, multidimensional wine coats the palate with glycerin and sweet fruit. There is not a hard edge to be found, but wow, what intensity and length (the finish lasts for close to one minute). The 2001 should turn out to be another legendary effort capable of lasting 20+ years. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The profound 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a nose of garrigue, licorice, kirsch liqueur, cassis, and new saddle leather. This superbly concentrated, full-bodied, multidimensional wine coats the palate with glycerin and sweet fruit. There is not a hard edge to be found, but wow, what intensity and length (the finish lasts for close to one minute). The 2001 should turn out to be a legendary effort capable of lasting 15-20 years. Importer: Paterno Imports, Lake Bluff, IL; tel. (847) 604-8900
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
Good medium red. Brooding aromas of redcurrant liqueur, minerals, dried flowers and garrigue Dense, superconcentrated and powerful, with terrific structure and the sheer material to buffer the 15. 5% alcohol. Intensely spicy, elegant Chateauneuf, with very suave tannins and superb persistence.
Reviewed by: Stephen Tanzer
(15.7% alcohol) Moderately saturated medium red. Red fruit confiture on the superripe, slightly roasted nose. Then juicy and youthfully backward in the mouth, although the wine's fairly high pH gives it a supple texture. Flavors of strawberry jam and plum liqueur. Finishes firmly tannic and fruity, with little sign of the high alcohol.
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.
