Region | |
---|---|
Subregion | France > Rhône > Southern Rhône > Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
Colour | Red |
Type | Still |
The brilliant 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance is 85% Grenache and 15% new oak-aged Mourvedre. Its dense purple color is accompanied by glorious aromas of creosote, crushed rocks, blueberries, blackberries, and flowers. With fabulous concentration, moderately high tannin, and a long, heady finish, this structured, big Chateauneuf requires another 3-4 years of bottle age. It should last for 15+ years.
Readers looking for the poor man’s version of the famed Beaucastel Hommage a Jacques Perrin should check out the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance. Tasting like there is much more Mourvedre included in the blend than there actually is (in fact it is 80% Grenache), it is a superb effort. Deep ruby/purple-colored, with an expressive bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, crushed rocks, and flowers, this broodingly backward, dense, full-bodied 2003 boasts tremendous purity, impressive concentration, and a stunning, 60+ second finish. No wimpish wine (it must possess 15% alcohol), but wow, what concentration and personality. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2020.
Alain and Baptiste Grangeon are potential new superstars from Chateauneuf du Pape, and this offering is representative of the sensational wines that have emerged from their vineyards in the northeastern sector, near Courthezon, over the last three years. The 2003 Cuvee Renaissance is a candidate for the appellation’s “wine of the vintage.” This wine is a structured, tannic, somewhat backward effort that goes against the tendency of this vintage to produce fleshy, opulent, succulent Chateauneufs that generally require early consumption.