Dom. de Marcoux Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007
Rhone Red Blends
from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France
winemaker's notes:
Official French records indicate that the Armenier family has been tending vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape since the 1300's. Today, winemaker-sisters Catherine Armenier and Sophie Estevenin continue to write history with the wines of Domaine de Marcoux.
In 1990, the Domaine became the first in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape to implement biodynamic farming practices. Their youngest vines are 40- to 60-years-old, and in short, the sisters do as little as possible to the harvested grapes. This domaine, as critic Stephen Tanzer put it, is "the essence of Châteauneuf-du-Pape."
In 2003, Robert Parker named Sophie and Catherine on his list of "Wine Personalities of Year," writing, "Over the last 12 years, the biodynamically farmed vineyard has risen to the top of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's quality hierarchy. The two red wines produced have been stunning, with the regular cuvée of Châteauneuf-du-Pape one of the finest in the appellation, and the limited production Cuvée Vieilles Vignes one of the world's truly magnificent wines."
critical acclaim:
"The outstanding 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape (a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah, and 3% Cinsault that achieved 16.5% natural alcohol) exhibits a dark ruby/purple color in addition to a sumptuous bouquet of black fruits, scorched earth, lavender, truffles, and licorice. The wine reveals the vintage’s gorgeous freshness and vibrancy as well as sensational concentration, and a tremendous finish. It can be drunk young or cellared for 15+ years."
94 Points
The Wine Advocate
"Saturated ruby-red. Exotically perfumed bouquet of red and dark berries, minerals, Asian spices and dried lavender. Extremely fresh, vivid raspberry and candied cherry flavors are joined by a slow-building floral pastille quality. Gains power and depth with air, finishing on sweet notes of creme de mure and mocha, with outstanding persistence.
91-94"
94 Points
International Wine Cellar
