Domaine Brun-Avril - Chateauneuf-Du-Pape 2020 750 ML (14.5 % ABV)

The only CdP release from this historic estate. Sourced from their 2 neighboring but distinct plots in the northern end of Chateauneuf du Pape  in an area called Farguerol.

“Old-vine Grenache from the best terroirs of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the wine world’s most coveted and increasingly rare treasures. This is a best-in-class example from one of the region’s most historic families.”
Ian Cauble, Master Sommelier

These plots are blown by the mistral winds from the Alps for 130 days a year (a cooling northerly wind that blows in from Provence and helps preserve acidity). There is also a nearby forest which provides biodiversity to the estate. 

The nose is expressed hints of juniper and crushed raspberries, black currants but remains largely dominated by accents of liquorice, cocoa, candied cherry on a smooth elegant palate with definitely a sense of place, the terrior of minerals from the galet river stones & clay silt.

Definitely roasted fire place wine in a leather chair.

fewer than 250 cases created! Get it while you can.

region: Southern Rhone, France

varietal: 50% Grenache dominant blend with 50% Syrah & Mourvedre

style: powerful, bold red

farming & cellar: organic farming, each varietal vinified separately, Grenache matured in 300L barrels, Syrah matured in tronconic (a truncated cone shape) barrels (each for 18 months), 

One plot is 3 hectares and is 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre, vines average 100 years old (!), soil is clay-sand with the classic galet river stones and southern exposure. The other plot is 2 hectares and contains Syrah, has soil that is clay-sand-silt, an eastern exposition, and the vines average 20-25 years in age.

pairing: spice rubbed lamb chops or Magret juniper, dried cherries red wine gastrique.