60% 110 year old Grenache, 40% 55 year Mourvedre. Grown on sandy, clay soil facing East which ensures freshness. Aged in barrel for 18 months. Dark intense violet coulour denoting a rich and generous body. Complex bouquet of roasted coffee, liquorice, cherry and hints of leather. Powerful straightforward taste in the mouth with dark fruit (blackcurrant), spicy (black pepper) and zan aromas.
The 2018 was relatively kind to Mourvèdre, and this cuvee contains 40%, the rest made up with Grenache. It has an intense, old-vine Mourvèdre presence; deep, dark fruits and a distinctive, appealing note to the dense, ripe tannins that reminded me of well-worked vintage leather. This has great vinosity and real depth, not always easy to find in the 2018 vintage. The oak work is deft, noticeable for now
Ripe, rich, juicy and fresh, there is a strong sense of purity, sweetness, lenght and intensity and minerality to the spicy, peppery, red fruits on the palate and in the long finish. The wine is made from 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre. This is one of the success stroies of the vintage.
Checking in as a normal blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Renaissance has a slightly more modern bouquet that includes plenty of red and black currants, spicy oak, dried garrigue, and classic Mourvèdre meatiness. It too is full-bodied and has a supple, elegant, plush texture, bright tannins, and a great finish. The cuvée normally needs a good 3-4 years of bottle age, but the 2018 is one of the more approachable examples of this cuvée that I can remember. You can probably safely drink this any time over the coming 15 years or more. (Drink between 2020-2035).
