Domaine la Barroche 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape "Signature" 750ml

Signature is a blend of 65% 100 year old Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah and 5% Cinsault and 1% other varieties. Winemaking involves 100% de-stemming and very gently extraction of the fruit with pumping over, rack and return, and stirring of the lees in under-ground cement vats. The Mourvèdre and Syrah are aged on its lees in 2-3 year old Burgundy barrels, the Grenache in traditional large old foudre with the Cinsault in stainless steel.

Critical Acclaim:  

Deep ruby. Displays powerful spice- and mineral-accented aromas of black raspberry and boysenberry, along with suggestions of white pepper and lavender pastilles. Stains the palate with intense, spice-tinged red and blue fruit flavors, deftly marrying power and finesse. Finishes sweet, smoky and extremely long, with resonating minerality and a lingering blueberry note. Quite rich for an entry-level Châteauneuf, but then again, this bottling does benefit from a good dose of fruit normally destined for the Pure bottling.

Score: 92 points -- Josh Raynolds, Vinous, Feb 2016