Domaine La Barroche
Vin de France Liberty 2016

After 7 years of cellar aging the VdF Liberty we feel has reached its peak, and is currently firing on all cylinders. Do not let the ‘Vin de France’ label sway you, this wine is the real deal. A “Mini” Chateauneuf du Pape in all but name, the Liberty comes from a parcel of 65-year-old vines planted on a cooler, higher elevation parcel in Chateau de Gadagne, the Southernmost region of the Côtes du Rhone. The soil here is almost geologically identical to that of the famed ‘le Crau’ parcel in Chateauneuf, and results in gloriously pure, ripe and balanced grapes. In addition, a small quantity of declassified Chateauneuf grapes are also included in the mix, hence the Vin de France label and not Cotes du Rhone (Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the few appellations that cannot be declassified to Cotes du Rhone). The 2016 is a blend of 55% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault and 5% Carignan, matured in old oak foudres and demi-muids for 18 months. One of the most alluring features of the more modern style of wines that Barroche produces, is the intoxicating perfume, and purity of fruit. The liberty tastes very much like a Chateauenuf, but at a fraction of the cost. The nose sings with pure black fruits and violets and the palate is chock full of deep, vibrant and ripe raspberries and black cherries. Notes of white pepper, liquorice and subtle sweet baking spices dance around the palate and add complexity, accompanied by a distinct and refreshing stoney minerality. The balance is harmonious and the palate, whilst being concentrated and structured, has mellowed and rounded out wonderfully with time. The once, slightly grippy tannins have evolved and now vanish into the background, simply adding an overarching silkiness to the proceedings. Despite its humble classification, there is a level depth and complexity here that would, in all honestly, put some producers in Chateauneuf to shame!