Chateauneuf for Papa

Everyone’s favourite, a great Chateauneuf du Pape, is the ideal gift for father’s day!

We have selected three superb examples from the 2012 vintage, which are available in mixed cases of three or six bottles.

Although from the same vintage and appellation, the styles of wine in Chateauneuf du Pape, vary enormously from Domaine to Domaine. Not only do the wines reflect the personalities and philosophies of the individual producer, but the great diversity in the terroir within the region and the flexibility of the blend with 13 grape varieties permitted, creates wines of excitingly differing expressions.

Clos du Mont Olivet Having been in the Sabon family since the early 20th century, Clos du Mont Olivet reflects the tradition of the region. Run today by Thierry, David and Celine Sabon, their 20+ hectares of vineyards within Chateauneuf are spread over 15 parcels, situated mainly in the north and east of the appellation. The terroir varies from the archetype, galets-roules to sand and clay, enabling them to cultivate all nine permitted red grape varieties in the location which best suits them. The vineyards are managed by sustainable viticulture, the soils are worked and the fruit hand picked. Thierry’s aim is to produce a wine which captures all the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, whilst retaining an elegant balance. From the date of harvest, to de-stemming, pressing, blending etc., the viticultural practices are adapted according to the vintage and the wines matured in a combination of foudre, cask or vat, before bottling without fining or filtration. Although sometimes a little tight in their youth, the wines of Mont Olivet develop beautifully to possess a delightful, Burgundian finesse.

Chateau de Vaudieu The imposing Chateau de Vaudieu and its 200 acres are located to the north of the village, next to the legendary, ‘Rayas’. The site here was originally known as the Val de Dieu, (the valley of God), from where the name Vaudieu is taken. The estate first came into the hands of the Brechet family when it was purchased by Gabriel Meffre, (who was married to Juliette Brechet) in 1955. At that time the estate included just 24 ha of vines, but Gabriel reclaimed abandoned vineyards and cleared woodland, to increase the area under vine to 70 ha. Although all the vineyards are within 450 metres of the 200 year old cedar which stands proud in the middle of the estate, there is a diverse array of terroir, exposition and micro-climate, including limestone slopes, galets roules on terraced areas and sandy plateau. The estate is run today by Juliette’s grandson, Laurent Brechet, who with the help of the midas touched oenologist, Philippe Cambie, has raised the quality of the wines and global reputation to amongst the elite. Farmed organically, the style here is very polished, refined and modern. All the grapes are de-stemmed and the wines are aged in a combination of barrel and demi-muids with a percentage of new oak. The Vaudieu style is seductive and seamless, but full of Provencal charm.

Domaine Pierre Usseglio Domaine Pierre Usseglio is run today by brothers, Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, joined recently by Jean-Pierre’s son, Gregory, representing the third and fourth generation here. The Usseglio’s have been making wine in Chateauneuf du Pape since 1949 when Francis Usseglio, who had arrived from Italy in 1931 produced his first vintage from 8 ha of rented vineyards. Today, the estate comprises some 22 ha of vineyards over 15 different lieux-dits, providing the same wide diversity of terroir as Mont Olivet and Vaudieu. The Tradition is largely produced from vines grown on sandy soils, covered with galet roules. The grapes are generally all de-stemmed and the wine aged 18 to 24 months in foudres. The estate is managed with meticulous care and pride from the lovingly tended vineyard to the beautifully presented winery and cellar and the resulting wines reflect the same precision and finesse.

The Chateauneuf for Papa selection is available in either a Three Bottle Case, containing 1 bottle of each of the following wines @ £83.38 – Less Father’s Day Promotional Discount = £75.00 Or
Six Bottle Case, containing 2 bottles of each of the following wines: £166.76 – Less Father’s Day Promotional Discount = £150.00

You may also order individually as below.

The following are Jeb Dunnuck’s notes and scores, taken from robertparker.com

2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Mont Oliver The 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape is a mid-weight, medium-bodied effort that has complex olive, tobacco leaf, cured meats and sweet currant fruit. A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 6% Mourvedre and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, aged in a combination of concrete, foudre, tank and small barrels, it has building tannin and a classical, balanced feel on the palate, but I'd still love a smidge more concentration. Nevertheless, it is borderline outstanding and I suspect it will have over a decade of longevity. 89/100)

2012 Chateauneuf du Pape, Chateau Vaudieu The classic 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape checks in as a de-stemmed blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah that spent 18 months in barrel. Offering up impressive kirsch, black raspberry, dried spices and garrigue, this medium to full-bodied 2012 has an elegant, seamless texture, fantastic purity and sweet tannin that emerges on the finish. There's certainly a polished, slightly modern feel here, but it's perfectly balanced and loaded with character. Enjoy this beauty over the coming 8-10 years. 92/100)

2012 Chateauneuf du Pape, Domaine Pierre Usseglio Excellent, with a similar, fruit-loaded personality, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape displays abundant blackberry, red currant, liquorice and toasted spice notes to go with a medium to full-bodied, pure and polished profile on the palate. Always approachable in its youth, it's a no-brainer purchase and will drink nicely for over a decade. 90-92/100)