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2009 Domaine La Barroche Signature Chateauneuf du Pape

Chateauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, FRANCE
$59. 99
Bottle
$719.88 Dozen
Cellar: 5 - 8 Years (2017-2020)
ABV: 15.7%
Closure: Cork

Whilst Domaine La Barroche is relatively new to estate bottling (the first vintage was 2003), the Barrot family that owns these 12.5 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape have been established in the village since about 1400. The average age of the vines at La Barroche is 60 years old and one third of the vineyards are more than 100 years old (Grenache). Most of the vineyards of the estate are located in the north and north-east of the appellation with just a few plots located close to the town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the southern side. Vinification here is classic with cement tanks used for fermentation and a mixture of cement and large foudres used for elevage of the Grenache based components and smaller oak used for the ageing of Syrah and Mourvedre based components. In the cellar wine is moved by gravity and done according to the lunar calendar and weather patterns.
The wines of La Barroche are modern in the best sense, clean, pure and brilliant.

A blend of 66% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 13% Mourvedre and 6% Cinsault. Opaque dark purple black colour with deep dark purple red hue. The nose possesses excellent intensity with aromas of black cherry, liquorice and dark plum filling the nostrils followed by some earth and spice notes. Full bodied and decadently rich the palate delivers opulent flavours of black raspberry and liquorice followed by some black cherry and spice. Slightly dryish, fine grained, perfectly balanced tannin structure. Excellent depth with long black raspberry, liquorice, dried meats and spice aftertaste.
Cellar 5-8 years (2017-2020)
Alc 15.7% Other Reviews….
Young Julien Barrot’s three cuvees of bottled 2009s showed better this year than they did last year – always a fabulous sign. I tend to underrate these wines initially, only to add points after they spend time in the bottle. Barrot is one of the young turks that appears to no longer be “up and coming,” but has arrived. This 30-acre estate is spread throughout the appellation, and in most vintages, three cuvees are produced – Terroir, Signature and Pure, the limited production, remarkable, 100% Grenache cuvee made from century old vines planted in pure sandy soil from the lieu-dit known as Grand Pierre. The Terroir and Pure are aged in foudre and the Signature in foudre and steel tank. 2010 appears to be another great vintage for proprietor Julien Barrot. Even better is the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Signature, which possesses the densest ruby/purple color of this trio. Expansive, broad notes of blueberries, blackberries, kirsch and garrigue are found in this full-bodied, sexy, opulent, stunning Chateauneuf du Pape. The forwardness and lusciousness of the 2009 vintage is brilliantly well-displayed in this offering. Drink it over the next 10-15 years.
93 points
Robert Parker – The Wine Advocate