Wine Advisor
Marcoux, Chateauneuf Du Pape 2006
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Description
Tasting notes
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The stunning, deep ruby/purple-hued 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits black fruits, licorice, incense, and hints of grilled meats and garrigue. While not as explosively aromatic or full as the 2007, the full-bodied, velvety textured, big, substantial 2006 is a top success for the vintage. Drink it over the next 15 years. I’m always interested in what sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier are doing at this biodynamically farmed vineyard, one of my favorite estates. Not surprisingly, they have produced extraordinary wines in 2007 as well as 2006s that are nearly as good. As most vignerons do, the Armeniers attribute the greatness of the 2007 vintage to both the drought that lasted from late spring through the end of September as well as the cooler than normal temperatures that were followed by three weeks of ferocious Mistral winds in September. Without any serious heat spikes, the Mistral seemed to concentrate the grapes, with the cooler weather causing very intense aromatics. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
I’ve had numerous bottles of the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape recently and it is always impressive. Always a rough blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged all in concrete tanks, this classic beauty is loaded with notions of kirsch liqueur, wild strawberries, gamy meats and olive tapenade. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, silky and elegant, you can't go wrong here, and this will provide immense drinking pleasure anytime over the coming decade (although I see no need to delay gratification).
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape, which achieved 15.5% natural alcohol, exhibits a dark ruby/purple color along with a big, sweet nose of framboise, blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, roasted herbs, and hints of licorice as well as incense. Full-bodied, opulent, and fleshy with light to moderate tannin in the finish, it should drink well for 15 or more years. This brilliant estate in the northern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape is admirably run by Sophie and Catherine Armenier. They continue to fine tune the wines produced at this biodynamically farmed vineyard, and their white Chateauneuf du Pape is now one of the three or four finest of the appellation. Sadly, they only make about 4,000 bottles of this blend of 66% Roussanne and 34% Bourboulenc. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
About the Producer
Chateau Marco has 17.5 hectares of vineyards that are biodynamically cultivated. The average age of the vines is 50 years, and some of the older vines are even more than 100 years old. These old vines grow on 2.3 hectares of gravel land and are the raw material for the production of Domaine de Marcoux Vieille Vignes. Marco Winery operates according to the traditional method. After the grapes are harvested, the grapes are individually destemmed, sorted and then fermented in stainless steel tanks for 3 weeks. Among them, the malo-lactic fermentation process also takes place in the tank. After that, the wine is aged for 16 to 18 months in stainless steel tanks or large oak barrels. Chateau Marco produces 3 Châteauneuf du Pape reds and 2 white Châteauneufs, as well as some Cotes du Rhone wines. Château de Pape Marco is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 5% Syrah and a few other varieties. The Domaine de Marcoux Ephemere is made from 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, and is a semi-new wine made by sisters Catherine and Sophie. The origin of this wine was purchased in 2002, and the first vintage was 2003. Made from 100% Grenache, Marco Old Vine Special Wine is one of the top wines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region. It has an amazing style and is extremely enticing, with a pure and wonderful fruity aroma. This wine is expensive and hard to get in the market.
