Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf du Pâpe Rouge 2022

Description

Philippe Bravay from Domaine de Ferrand makes one of the finest examples of Chateauneuf du Pape available today. Trophy wine hunters are now taking a keen interest in his wines, but Philippe adheres to an incredibly reasonable pricing policy, which is why the wines represent incredible quality and value.

Philippe has now completely taken over the family domaine (Until 1995 most of the wine was sold to negociants and only a small part was bottled by his father) and is dedicated to preserving the unique traditions and special characteristics that define Chateauneuf du Pape. He uses very traditional methods including partial whole bunch fermentation, natural yeasts and cuvaison and elevage solely in tanks.

All the vines are situated in the lieu-dit Chemin Saint Jean, the same Northern holy grail near Orange as benchmark growers and his his neighbours Charvin, Beaucastel, Marcoux and La Vieille Julienne.

France’s appellation laws, whilst quite brilliant, can be frustrating for some, including Philippe Bravay – a little country road acts as a separation point that prevents these vines from being able to produce Châteauneuf du Pâpe. They really are fantastic Côtes du Rhônes with some parcels planted between 1933 and 1946.

About this wine:  95% Grenache (planted between 1910 and 1930), 5% Syrah/Mourvèdre/Cinsault. From these vines he obtains superb natural ripeness. 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.

Philippe is making one of the finest examples of essentially old vine Grenache wines in the world today, 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 2022 is another superb release from Philippe, this is one of the most consistently great wines and it will obviously repay careful cellaring handsomely.

96 points, James Suckling “A seductive, round and velvety red based on 85% grenache, mourvedre, bourboulenc, syrah, cinsault and others. The nose reveals notes of wild berries, currants, candied cherries, wild herbs and stones. It’s full-bodied with finely grained tannins. It has a delicate touch to it, elegant, balanced and silky. Controlled power with bright fruit and a fresh, pure finish. Long and developing, with plenty of pepper and vibrancy. Try from 2027. “

94 points, Jeb Dunnuck “…  complex and upfront, with spicy, peppery red fruit, loads of garrigue and incense nuances, medium body, a focused, elegant mouthfeel, building tannins, and a great finish. Drink this remarkably Provençal, complex, satisfying 2022 over the coming decade. “

RRP $139    Our Special Price $121.99 – Very limited stock!