Domaine Duclaux Chateauneuf-du-Pape Red 2017, Rhone Valley, France

The Duclaux Family is one of the oldest in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This family built up its domaine through the centuries and was one of the first founding members of the appellation association in 1904. The Quiot family, vineyard owners in Chateauneuf-du-Pape for over 2 centuries, has worked with Domaine Duclaux since 1987. Terroir: Soils mainly made up of river sand and rolled pebbles. Terroirs containing alluvial soils, sand and stones in the lower vineyards and clay-limestone soil on the slopes. Winemaking: The grapes are partially de-stemmed and the varieties are pre-blended in concrete vats for 3-4 weeks. Vat-matured for around 24 months, part of which is spent in oak barrels. 2017 vintage – Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Counnoise, Terret Noir, Picpoul, Muscaradin, Picardin. Pale plus dark red with clear purple rim. The nose is warm and beginning to show an attractive complexity characterized by understated red fruits and spice along with leather and tertiary notes. The palate is composed and lighter weight, again exhibiting a measure of bottle development in an appealing mix of red cherry and spice notes. There is a fine, balanced structure. This is an elegant, not heavyweight style expressing Cinsault and Grenache in particular, with the emphasis on finesse rather than power.

$54.99