Chapoutier Barbe Rac Chateauneuf Du Pape Tinto 1996

The Michel Chapoutier winery is a jewel of the Rhône Valley. It was founded in 1808 and is part of the history of the Côtes-du-Rhône. With the arrival of Michel Chapoutier in 1990, his leadership transformed the philosophy of winemaking in the Rhône. This philosophy is based on two basic principles: first, to seek out terroirs and get as close to them as possible, so much so that the plot becomes more important than the work of the winemaker. M. Chapoutier's viticulture is to reveal the terroir in the wine and this gives an incredible richness to the wines. Most of the wines from the Rhône are made from Syrah, and also Grenache, but M. Chapoutier's Syrah is different, it feels different. They work rigorously under the principles of biodynamics. M.Chapoutier has a very extensive line of wines and they all follow the same principle, the vintage year is left as is - no chaptalization, no addition of yeasts or acidifiers. Quaternary terrace with large boulders from the old bed of the Rhône on the surface. The parcel producing this selection of parcels has a very complex and varied geology. The vines are 90 years old. The 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac shows an exotic nose of barbecue spice, burning wood and sweet cherry. The plum/cherry color reveals some lightening at the edge. The wine is full-bodied and dense with plenty of spice, tobacco and earthy notes. This rich, chewy and exceptional Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the best wines of the vintage. (Robert Parket SIC) RP 90