CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE

2019 Chateauneuf-du-Pape les Trois Sources A blend of four different terraces on the lower slopes of this north facing estate. 65% Grenache 15% Syrah the balance from Mourvedre, Cinsault, Counoise, Vacarese, Terret Noir, Muscardin, Grenache Blanc, Clairette & Bourblenc with vineyards planted from as early as 1920-1947 and an average age of 75 years. The vineyards here are very much sand dominated, with peebles and red clay too, but it is the sand that lends the finesse and structure. Winemaking without doing a dis service to the talents of Jean-Paul Daumen, is fairly straightforward, in general all fruit is destemmed with a 3 week concrete vinification and daily pump over, some cap punching, all natural yeasts, unfined and unfiltered and a tiny dollop of SO2 at the bottling stage, this is minimal intervention 'natural' winemaking as it can be. 2019 tasting note from tank 'Dark purple in colour, bright and fresh on the nose, redcurrant and cranberry, not singing on the nose but it explodes into life on the palette, raspberry, black cherry, mint, sage, garrigue, black olive and lots of mineral notes too, sweet fruits and immense concentration, certainly not extracted, lovely finesse here, tannins are high but will soften into focus in time, this is a great Chateauneuf in the making and will last 15+ years no problem and can be drinking in 6-8 years' Without doubt the best estate from 2 days of tasting, if it is purity and balance you want in your Chateauneuf, leave all the hot alcohol wines aside and have a look at this under the radar estate, they may not have the following and kudos of the perceived big names, but you can buy with confidence knowing that they certainly belong in the top 5. L&S (Sept 2021)