Domaine de Fontavin Chateauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Empire 750 ML

Varietal: 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah A great wine with a great complexity. Of rare elegance, the wine is an assemblage of Black Grenache and Syrah, meticulously hand selected during the harvest, from grassy or ploughed parcels. The enchanting red fruit, licorice and lightly menthol notes were concentrated by the mistral in the flesh of each grape that is then picked at the perfect level of maturity. The tannins were extracted and rounded during a three week period of maceration. The mouth is rich and clean: each individual grape, removed from its cluster, imparts its refined and silky tannins. To obtain this beautiful generalized harmony, one portion of the wine is barreled several months in French oak barrels and demi-muids. This wine is not subjected to ‘collage’ or any excessive filtration.  This Châteauneuf du Pape can be cellared for 10 years or longer; it will evolve towards truffle and wild plants. A healthy maturity is attained after four to five years of cellaring. Vinous 90 points - 90-92 - Limpid ruby-red. Spice-accented red berry and cherry pit scents on the smoke-accented nose, along with a zesty mineral note that adds vibrancy. Sappy raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show very good clarity and gentle sweetness while a jolt of zesty acidity adds lift and bite. Closes smooth and long, with repeating spiciness and fine-grained tannins that add shape and gentle grip.