Wine Advisor
M. Chapoutier, Chateauneuf Du Pape Barbe Rac 2022
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Yohan Castaing
Aromas of dark cherries, spices, chocolate, garrigue and lead pencil preface Chapoutier's 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac, a medium to full-bodied, rich and dense, powerful and muscular Châteauneuf-du-Pape with chewy tannins, bright acids and a long, complex and firm finish. Although it carries an austere-inflected character, this 100% Grenache Noir, matured for 16 months in concrete tanks, is undeniably successful. Its balance is commendable, but it is decidedly a wine to lay in the cellar, so I recommend not opening bottles for at least 8–10 years.
Reviewed by: James Suckling
A 100% grenache showing class, structure and intensity. On the nose it develops aromas of sweet cherries, candied oranges and wild herbs. Full-bodied with fine, chalky tannins, it’s driven and vivid with a well-structured mid-palate. Elegant and intense at the same time with a long, peppery and energetic finish. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink from 2027.
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.
