Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
Anyone who has rated this CDP below 9.0 has most likely made a mistake. That being that they opened it too young (I also did this rating the 2011 in 2015), but more importantly, did not give it adequate breathing time when they did so. Bravay keeps the co2 level very high during aging to prevent oxidation producing a wine that not only is going to age beautifully but NEEDS time to breathe. He also prefers tannin from skin not stems and oak so it is fermented and aged in stainless and concrete vats. After proper decanting, the 2011 leads with a full bouquet of dark berries, spice and a lovely violet note that keeps my nose in the glass. Medium to full in body with an elegant balance of ripe fruit and acid. Raspberry and juicy cherry fill my mouth with just a touch of pepper on the lingering finish. Tasted several times over 4 hours. Notes taken after 3 hours.
Anyone who has rated this CDP below 9.0 has most likely made a mistake. That being that they opened it too young (I also did this rating the 2011 in 2015), but more importantly, did not give it adequate breathing time when they did so. Bravay keeps the co2 level very high during aging to prevent oxidation producing a wine that not only is going to age beautifully but NEEDS time to breathe. He also prefers tannin from skin not stems and oak so it is fermented and aged in stainless and concrete vats. After proper decanting, the 2011 leads with a full bouquet of dark berries, spice and a lovely violet note that keeps my nose in the glass. Medium to full in body with an elegant balance of ripe fruit and acid. Raspberry and juicy cherry fill my mouth with just a touch of pepper on the lingering finish. Tasted several times over 4 hours. Notes taken after 3 hours.
3 people found it helpfulAug 2nd, 2015
Very smooth and enjoyable. No rough edges. Loved it!
Very smooth and enjoyable. No rough edges. Loved it!
1 person found it helpfulNov 10th, 2014Mixed feelings. It is bigger raj no usually go for. But it is tasty.
Mixed feelings. It is bigger raj no usually go for. But it is tasty.
Apr 9th, 2014
Pop and pour yesterday. Notes from 24 hrs open; unrefrigerated on the counter overnight. An excellent showing. Lovely, transparent grenache: red raspberry and garrigue in spades with some soft incense in the background. On the palate: solid acidity, red raspberry, soft medicinal herbs, some white pepper spice and only slightly evinces its heat on the softly tannic finish. In an excellent place, if still primary.
Pop and pour yesterday. Notes from 24 hrs open; unrefrigerated on the counter overnight. An excellent showing. Lovely, transparent grenache: red raspberry and garrigue in spades with some soft incense in the background. On the palate: solid acidity, red raspberry, soft medicinal herbs, some white pepper spice and only slightly evinces its heat on the softly tannic finish. In an excellent place, if still primary.
Apr 14th, 2022
So nice to be able to drink a CdP young. A fabulous wine. Well-balanced, flavorful, with just the right amount of backbone.
So nice to be able to drink a CdP young. A fabulous wine. Well-balanced, flavorful, with just the right amount of backbone.
Feb 8th, 2015
A nice expression of the 2011 vintage a good drinker while 2010's and 2012's sleep.
A nice expression of the 2011 vintage a good drinker while 2010's and 2012's sleep.
May 20th, 2014Robin had this 10 years ago
Robin had this 10 years ago
Oct 27th, 2014
