Cristia’s top cuvee. 100% 90-100 year old Grenache. Grown on clayey sand from the locality known as "Cristia". Aged in barrel for 24 months. Deep black robe with hints of purple. Roasted hints and very ripe red fruits aromas. Concentrated, powerful and explosive palate with hints of cherries, ripe black fruits and liquorice.
Aromatic thyme and rosemary-flecked red berries here with cedar oak that is well-integrated and adds an aromatic incense element. It's deep, very pure, resonant and ripe and very well balanced, with no excess acidity to the sweet ripe fruit. The tannins are subtle, a fine patina over your palate. This will be delicious young, but try to leave it for at least 10 years, when it will be even better. 100% old-vine Grenache from the lieu-dit Cristia sandy soils. Matured in barriques and demi-muids for 18 months, one-third new oak. Drinking Window 2020 - 2035.
Taking things up a notch, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a much bigger, richer wine. It’s similarly colored, with a medium ruby/purple hue as well as a killer nose of kirsch liqueur, lavender, herbes de Provence, Asian spices, and a touch of cured meats. This full-bodied, opulent wine hits the palate with no hard edges, sweet tannins, and one hell of a great finish. It's already hard to resist, has the vintage’s forward, upfront feel, yet will nevertheless have 10-15 years of longevity. (Drink between 2020-2035).
