Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf du Pâpe Rouge 2019

Description

“Philippe Bravay is now in charge of the family domaine and, to quote the recent article in Wine Spectator where his 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape was the top rated wine, he is “now in a groove here”. He is extremely dedicated to preserving the unique traditions that Châteauneuf du Pâpe brings to the wine world although only a few will ever get to enjoy his wines as the domaine is tiny (only 5 ½ hectares of which over half is on vines approaching 100 years old) all situated in the lieu-dit Chemin Saint Jean. He uses organic growing techniques and limits yields severely (his Côtes du Rhône yields less than 2 tonnes to the acre, and the Châteauneuf du Pâpe much less) vinification is traditional: open top fermenters, basket presses, and cement cuves.

The Châteauneuf du Pâpe is 90% Grenache, the vines ranging in age from 60 to 100 years of age, and the balance the other twelve Châteauneuf varietals. From these he obtains superb natural ripeness, usually in excess of 14%. His methods are classic and the aging is for the most part in large oak foudre, but also a small portion in old barriques, however no new oak. The reds here start off life dark fruited, juicy and succulent and will close up after 5 years before opening again to evolve into penetrating and exotic flavours of kirsch, ash, sandalwood, leather and spice; always big wines, they are the very image of their landscape—hillsides of mistral battered vines growing between sun bleached stones the size of your fist. This is a wine stylistically similar to Domaines Marcoux, Charvin and Vielle-Julienne – all of whom are neighbours.

He makes one of the finest examples of pure unadulterated old vine Grenache in the world today and is one of the most renowned vignerons in Chateaneuf du Pape. Trophy wine hunters are now taking an interest in his wines, but Philippe adheres to an incredibly reasonable pricing policy making these brilliant value.

This wine – 95% Grenache, 5% Syrah/Mourvèdre/Cinsault. Planted between 1910 and 1930 ..  fermented in open concrete cuve beton and aged in tank it is a wine of considerable style and grace and despite all the plaudits, it remains priced very fairly indeed. This 2019 is another superb release from Philippe has made up there with his 2012 I think and this will obviously repay careful cellaring handsomely.
Tasted from tank in January 2020, despite infancy it has a very vibrant and aromatic array of red fruit and flowers with an attractive lift of raspberries and red plums, as well as spiced herbs and garrigue. The palate has a very sapid and assertive, red-cherry core with a thread of tannin that enables to wine to carry long in the mouth. This has power yet is elegant and has a vibrant beauty. Like his friend and neighbour, Laurent Charvin, Philippe uses no oak in this wine, only concrete and tanks.”  Importer notes. Fabulous wine on offer here

96 points James Suckling “Captivating nose of subtle red berries, licorice, mint and many spices. Extremely concentrated and powerful, but also very straight and refined, this Chateauneuf masterpiece is just beginning a very long life. Stunning crescendo, powered by the very fine tannins. The finish doesn’t want to stop.”

95 points Jeb Dunnuck, “Beautiful violets, wildflowers, Asian spices, lavender, and Bing cherry fruits all soar from the glass of the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape. This full-bodied, beautifully textured, seamless 2019 brings the richness of the vintage while staying light on its feet, elegant, and perfectly balanced. While the acidity is quite low (I’m sure the pH is quite high), this will age on its balance and concentration. Hats off to Philippe Bravey for another singular Châteauneuf du Pape that readers will love to have in their cellars. As usual, the blend is 85% Grenache, with the balance other permitted varieties, brought up completely in tank.”

RRP $121    Our price $99.99 – Very limited stock!