Of the entire round of tastings, this is the one I have most looked forward to.
Both regions always seem to impress and both match my personal preferences.
I was lucky enough to find bottles from two legendary producers for this tasting, a late release Cornas from Alain Voge and Paul Avril’s famous Clos des Papes.
Notes and results in the comments.
by rob1001-
1 Comment
Wine 1) 2015 Alain Voge Cornas Les Vieilles Vignes. 100% Syrah. 14% alcohol.
Parker 95-97/100, Jeb Dunnuck 98/100, Wine Spectator 96/100, Wine Enthusiast 95/100, Galloni 94-96/100, Vivino 4.2/5.
79 EUR paid December 2024
Wine 2) 2015 Clos des Papes, Chateauneuf du Pape. 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, 5% others. 14.8% alcohol.
Parker 97/100, Wine Spectator 97/100, Wine Advocate 97/100, Falstaff 97/100, Vivino 4.4/5.
75 EUR paid September 2024
About the vineyards:
Alain Voge – Alain Voge the legendary North Rhone winemaker, famous for revitalising Cornas. On the right bank of the Rhone, these are the oldest vines in the vineyard at above 60y. Sloped plots at 200m facing SSE. A granite base. Biodynamically farmed. 20 months in French oak barrels with 15% new. This was a late release in 2023.
Clos des Papes – A legendary Chateauneuf du Pape producer under the guidance of Paul Avril. Grapes grown over 20-30 plots, only the best grapes are taken (sorted on field). Calet Roules pebbles provide the terroir to store daytime warmth for the night, with sand, clay and limestone underneath. Biodynamically farmed. 12-15 month aging in large oak foudres.
Tasting: We started with the Chateauneuf. Beautiful fruity nose, then amazing smoothness from the fist sip. The tannins were so well worked in. Vanilla and almost some creaminess. Fruits of cherries, blackcurrants and raspberry. The most impressive thing was the finish, this one really stayed with you. Next the Cornas – deep purple colour, powerful dark berries, strong and exquisite spices and peppercorn. Soft tannins, beautiful complexity, really a wonderful wine. Amazing dept and spice.
Verdict: These were hands down two of the best wines I have had all year. Hard to pick a winner but for me the Clos des Papes was almost perfect – everything I am looking for in a wine. So its Chateauneuf which goes through to the next round, it was never going to be easy to pick a winner here!