One must go back several decades to find such a rainy spring. Fortunately, we were spared the traditional September equinox rain , thus allowing the wine growers to harvest in total peace of mind until late autumn. The 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape reds and whites have been produced from grapes that presented excellent sanitary conditions, they are characterised by optimal ripeness and a nice length on the palate.

With a total rainfall of 520 mm during the growing season and the sum of temperatures -base 10°C -reaching 2252 over the period from 1st March to 30th September, this year witnessed outbreaks of mildew, among the most important in the last few years. Fortunately, the high summer temperatures and the mild September nights contributed to excellent quality grapes. Early maturation and thick skins characterized the red varietals, and particularly grenache; these were vinified in a continued effort to respect aromatic potentials during extraction.

This cuvée comes from four parcels located on different terroirs that complement each other in the blend (large pebbles which bring fatness and power; sands for freshness and acidity; red clay covered with large pebbles which bring structure and body; and finally a sandy-limestone hillside which gives finesse).

The estate’s flagship cuvée, always at the top of international rankings. The robe is dark with purple reflections. On the nose, the still discreet aromas of crushed black fruits and garrigue are just waiting to melt into a noble and fresh substance, to reveal finesse and elegance on the palate.