Domaine La Barroche Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape 2019

Winery Background and History:

Domaine La Barroche was founded in 1968 by the Barrot family near Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape. This small 15 ha estate emphasizes century‑old vines, organic viticulture, and minimal intervention. Fruit is sourced from sandy‑clay soils with galets, and the winemaking focuses on terroir‑driven expression. Their flagship label is recognized for elegance, depth, and purity in southern Rhône wines 

Producer and Wine Maker:

Winemaker Julien Barrot oversees parcel-specific vinification. Grapes are destemmed, cold‑soaked, and fermented with native yeasts in tulip‑shaped concrete vats. After fermentation wine matures 18 months in a mix of neutral demi‑muids, concrete, and seasoned foudres. The wine is bottled without fining or filtration to maintain texture and varietal clarity ()

Vineyards and Micro Climate:

Vineyards located on south‑facing parcels across sandy‑clay and galets soils cooled by mistral winds. The 2019 season featured a rainy winter followed by a hot, dry summer ideal for ripeness, producing wines with concentrated fruit balanced by fresh acidity 

Vinification & Aging Methods:

After destemming and cold soak, fermentation occurs in concrete vats. Post-fermentation aging lasts approximately 18 months on lees in neutral demi‑muids, concrete, and foudres. The wine is neither fined nor filtered before bottling to preserve integrity 

Tasting Notes:

Deep ruby color with purple rim. The nose reveals black fruit, licorice, spice, and subtle floral notes. On the palate it is elegant and refined, with silky tannins, fresh red berries, peppery herbs, and a lengthy savory finish 

Food & Wine Pairing:

Pairs beautifully with herb‑crusted lamb, Provençal game, truffle risotto, beef tagine, and aged cheeses. Its balance of richness, fresh acid, and savory structure complements hearty and earthy dishes ()

Service Methods and Temperatures:

Serve at 16 °C in large Bordeaux glasses to showcase aromatics and soften tannins. Decant for 30–60 minutes to integrate structure and open the bouquet ()

Storage and Aging Potential:

Cellar at 12–14 °C with moderate humidity. Best for drinking 2024–2035, evolving to reveal tertiary notes of leather, forest floor, spice, and earth while retaining freshness 

Grape Varietals & % used:

Grenache 60 % · Mourvèdre 19 % · Syrah 13 % · Cinsault 5 % · Vaccarèse 1 % · Others 2 % 

ABV (Alcohol by Volume):

15 %

Scores:

Wine Spectator: 95 points 

James Suckling: 93 points 

Falstaff: 93 points 

Jancis Robinson: 17 / 20