This tiny, 2.5-hectare estate was planted mainly during WWII, with some vines even older at 90+ years. The consulting winemaker is, naturally, Philippe Cambie, who must make over half of Chateauneuf’s top wines.
Unlike many of Cambie’s Chateauneufs, though, the approach here is unabashedly traditional, with whole cluster fermentation and aging mainly in old 600-liter foudres.
The result is a stunningly pure Chateauneuf of the highest order.
Livingstone-Learmonth says:
Matt-hued dark red colour; the nose leads on an air of cooked, simmered black berries, blackcurrant touches alongside. There is a certain smoky freedom about it. The palate holds savoury appeal, is lined with black berry fruits and pliant tannins that fit in well, the finish munchy. The juicy fruit will entertain, and is its best quality, encourages a second glass. High drinkability here, w.o.w. Châteauneuf. 14.5°. 11,000 b. 80% Gren, 15% Syr, 5% Mourv.. From spring 2021. 2039-41
By w.o.w,, he means “Wine One Wants,” a designation he uses for only a handful of top wines and values.
This 2018 vintage is also the top-rated Porte Rouge on The Wine Cellar Insider.