Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes
Les Choregies Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
I’m in the 91+ range here. Had hoped for a more wow experience but this was simply solid and that’s ok. Not all wines need to be stunners.
80 Grenache/ 15 Mourvèdre/ 5 Syrah. Followed from bottle over the course of two hours.
To this wine’s credit, it presented exactly as it should. Warm 2015 vintage type profile which extracts the Grenache (ripe red fruits, sweet spice, little heat) but also accentuates/deepens the garrigue/potpurri profile. Alcohol pokes out a touch on the palate but it’s mostly juicy red berry fruit, little bit of dirty fig, herbal. On the whole, this is a very clean style of CdP that presents with no Brett/funk but also speaks to Grenache (as opposed to being a typical super CdP blend). Drink or hold another 3-5yrs for this window.
I’m in the 91+ range here. Had hoped for a more wow experience but this was simply solid and that’s ok. Not all wines need to be stunners.
80 Grenache/ 15 Mourvèdre/ 5 Syrah. Followed from bottle over the course of two hours.
To this wine’s credit, it presented exactly as it should. Warm 2015 vintage type profile which extracts the Grenache (ripe red fruits, sweet spice, little heat) but also accentuates/deepens the garrigue/potpurri profile. Alcohol pokes out a touch on the palate but it’s mostly juicy red berry fruit, little bit of dirty fig, herbal. On the whole, this is a very clean style of CdP that presents with no Brett/funk but also speaks to Grenache (as opposed to being a typical super CdP blend). Drink or hold another 3-5yrs for this window.
Unfortunately my bottle was compromised and some air entered. But the vinegar at the top quickly came off revealing an intense powerful wine although with some balsamic notes. Great with our lamb souvlaki.
Unfortunately my bottle was compromised and some air entered. But the vinegar at the top quickly came off revealing an intense powerful wine although with some balsamic notes. Great with our lamb souvlaki.
Jul 7th, 2023
Now we’re headed to the Southern Rhône and more specifically one of our favorite “Cru” appellations; the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, which may feature up to 13 sanctioned varieties as part of its blend, though it’s commonly dominated by Grenache and Mourvèdre. These blends can lead to delightfully complex and balanced wines.
This particular wine is medium ruby with notable tearing. On the nose and palate, we’re finding black cherry, blackberry, fig paste, prune; also black licorice, anise, cardamom, graphite, grape seed, leather, tobacco, meat, garrigue, and forest floor notes.
Overall this wine has a dried fruit and earthy, spicy/savory expression. It’s complex, balanced, and intense. The tannins are firm and grippy. The alcohol is high (15%). This wine has the bone structure to continue aging but is a pleasure to drink now.
According to @winespectator 2015 was a great vintage for late-ripening varieties in the Southern Rhône, as it was sunny, warm and dry through July, leading to reds that are “rich, ripe and full of powerful fruit.” 🎯
Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Choregies 2015.
Now we’re headed to the Southern Rhône and more specifically one of our favorite “Cru” appellations; the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, which may feature up to 13 sanctioned varieties as part of its blend, though it’s commonly dominated by Grenache and Mourvèdre. These blends can lead to delightfully complex and balanced wines.
This particular wine is medium ruby with notable tearing. On the nose and palate, we’re finding black cherry, blackberry, fig paste, prune; also black licorice, anise, cardamom, graphite, grape seed, leather, tobacco, meat, garrigue, and forest floor notes.
Overall this wine has a dried fruit and earthy, spicy/savory expression. It’s complex, balanced, and intense. The tannins are firm and grippy. The alcohol is high (15%). This wine has the bone structure to continue aging but is a pleasure to drink now.
According to @winespectator 2015 was a great vintage for late-ripening varieties in the Southern Rhône, as it was sunny, warm and dry through July, leading to reds that are “rich, ripe and full of powerful fruit.” 🎯
Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Choregies 2015.
Single vineyard names after the oldest french opera. Paper label with glue still. Watermelon sweetness. Sandy spicy finish that stays in your throat. Only release on selective years.
Single vineyard names after the oldest french opera. Paper label with glue still. Watermelon sweetness. Sandy spicy finish that stays in your throat. Only release on selective years.
Mar 16th, 2018
