2013 Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac

Proprietary Blend - 750ML
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REVIEWS

WS 96 WA 94 JL 92
WS 96

Wine Spectator, April 2016

Restrained and stylish, loaded with gorgeous layers of cassis, raspberry and damson plum fruit that stream along, lined with anise, shiso leaf and iron notes. The long, pure finish shows terrific cut and focus. This...
WA 94

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, October 2015

My favorite wine in the lineup was the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac. Coming from a plot of old vines located on the western side of the appellation and made from 100% Grenache, it offers vintage-defying levels of...
JL 92

TheWineCellarInsider.com, September 2015

Earthy, with a smoky, thyme and cherry note that stands out, the wine is silky, soft and polished with freshness and sweetness to the fruit. The wine is made with 100% old vine Grenache. 92 Points Read more...

WINE DETAILS

Color & Type Red
Varietal Proprietary Blend
Country France
Region Rhone
Sub-region Southern Rhone
Appellation Chateauneuf du Pape
Vintage 2013
Size 750ML
Percent alcohol 14.5%
Closure Cork

Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Chateauneuf's history is extremely dense. One of the most important periods was during the 15th Century when the popes resided in Avignon. The village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape became the papal summer residence (Jean XXII, Urbin V and Innocent VI) and they succeeded in promoting its wines.

In the early 20th Century, winegrowers were regularly acknowledged for their wines by a special board of judges which was set up under the instigation of Baron "le Roy de Boiseaumarie."

Made from Grenache from 90 year old vines, Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac has an intense garnet color. It is herbacy on the nose, with hints of spices (liquorice), chocolate, and fruits (strawberry). It is ample on the mouth, fleshy, hot and round, and has an outstanding density with an impressive length. Depending on the vintage, this wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

The 2013 Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is a remarkable red wine that captures the essence of the Southern Rhone region in France. Crafted by the esteemed producer, Chapoutier, this wine is a true testament to their passion for winemaking.

In the glass, this wine displays a deep, inky color that immediately catches the eye. Its rich hue hints at the intensity and depth that awaits the palate. On the nose, the wine exudes a captivating bouquet of blackberry, currants, licorice, and smoked herbs. These aromas are a testament to the age of the vines and the exceptional terroir on the western side of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation.

On the palate, the 2013 Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac delivers a full-bodied experience that is nothing short of luxurious. The texture is voluptuous and the mid-palate depth is truly impressive. The sweet tannins add a layer of complexity and suggest that this wine has the potential to evolve gracefully over the next 10-15 years.

Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck of Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this wine an outstanding score of 94 points. He describes it as his favorite wine in the lineup, praising its vintage-defying levels of fruit and its superb texture. Wine Spectator also lauds this wine, awarding it an impressive score of 96 points. They highlight its restrained and stylish nature, along with its long, pure finish and terrific cut and focus.

This wine has also garnered praise from Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com, who awarded it a score of 92 points. He notes its earthy character and the freshness and sweetness of the fruit.

Overall, the 2013 Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is a wine of exceptional quality and character. Its impressive reviews and the reputation of the producer make it a standout choice for wine enthusiasts who appreciate the complexity and elegance of a well-crafted red wine. This wine is best enjoyed from 2017 through 2030 and would pair beautifully with hearty dishes such as roasted lamb or game.