Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

2017
Cristia
France
Rhône

100% Grenache from Cristia Haut, a vineyard which faces east and north; the soils are a mix of sand and clay. The vines are 80-100 years old.  

100% destemmed; aged for 18 months in neutral demi-muids.

(93-95) points
"Brilliant violet. Sexy, spice- and mineral-accented aromas of ripe red berries and incense carry a suave floral topnote. Juicy, penetrating and concentrated yet lithe, displaying impressive power and lift to the raspberry liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors. Closes with resonating spiciness, silky, slow-building tannins and a strong echo of sappy red fruit. The marriage of depth and vivacity here is quite impressive."
Josh Raynolds,
Vinous
96 points
"Moving to the two 2017s, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes checks in as 100% Grenache coming from a single parcel in the Cristia lieu-dit, in the heart of the appellation and was brought up mostly in old barrels, with 30% in new demi-muids. Revealing a more ruby/plum color, it has an incredible nose of spiced red and black fruits, ground pepper, garrigue, and spring flowers. These all carry to a full-bodied, layered, elegant Grenache that has silky tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It’s already complex and ready to go today yet will cruise for 10-15 years in cold cellars."
Jeb Dunnuck
, October 2020
95 points
"Possessing more concentration and richness than the other Cristia cuvées, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes—sourced from 95-year-old Grenache vines in the Cristia lieu-dit—combines hints of cedar and vanilla from the barrels in which it matured with ripe raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied and intensely flavored, it delivers those things without any sense of heaviness, remaining fresh, silky and elegant from boldly aromatic start to long, nuanced finish. Yum!"
Joe Czerwinski,
Wine Advocate
, September 2020

SKU/Code: 
DB0499-17
Product Line: 
Wine
Red
Varietal: 
Grenache