Chapoutier Croix de Bois Chateauneuf du Pape Tinto 2013

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. Typical soil of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, composed of large rounded quartzite pebbles with red sandy clay. Always sweeter and more extravagant than the Barbe Rac, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois offers more kirsch, black raspberry and cassis as well as ample nuances of garrigue and spice. Full-bodied, superbly pure and layered, it is as sexy and voluptuous as they come in this fresher vintage. Drink this beauty anytime over the next decade (Robert Parker SIC). RP 93