| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Southern Rhône > Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
One of the stars of the vintage and coming from absurdly low yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape is a full-bodied, seamless effort that exhibits copious kirsch, ground pepper, dried flowers and underbrush as well as incredibly fine tannin, great mid-palate concentration and ample length on the finish. Relatively forward by this estate's standards, it will be approachable at an earlier age than normal. Nevertheless, it will have 20+ years of evolution and is an awesome effort in the vintage. Drink 2015-2030.
I tasted through a number of different foudres of the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape red, which came from tiny yields of 18 hectoliters per hectare in what was a relatively prolific harvest for many producers in Chateauneuf du Pape. Proprietor Vincent Avril implemented a severe triage in both the vineyard and cellars. The result is a beautifully made, sexy, hedonistic, up-front red with plenty of mulberry, kirsch and cassis fruit, a medium to full-bodied mouthfeel, and plenty of glycerin and authority. It tips the scales at 15% alcohol.
