2020 Domaine de Panisse Châteauneuf-du-Pape 'Le Mas', Rhone, France (750ml)
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Complex, rich and spicy, and from a fine vintage in the Southern Rhone as well. The younger generation at Le Clos du Caillou as of 2020 purchased this spectacular property north of the family estate in Courthézon. The winery is made up of a 15th-century farmhouse (the “mas”) and cellars, surrounded by acres of prime Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards, in the heart of lieu-dit ‘La Janasse’ in the far northeast corner of the appellation. With many vines planted in 1924 and terroir that echoes Châteauneuf’s finest, winemaker Marilou Vacheron and her brother Axel (of the Sancerre clan) are more than well-positioned to craft seriously compelling and character-rich southern blends.
Producer notes ~ "55% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault. Vineyards located in lieu-dit "La Janasse' and completely surrounding the estate, totaling 16 acres of land. Soils a mix of sand and silt, clay/limestone and quartz stones. Vine age 60 to 100 years. Hand-harvested. Destemmed. Fermented on indigenous yeasts in cement tanks. Aged 80% in demi-muid and 20% in barrique, with 20% new oak (the rest two-year old) for 14 months. Unfined and unfiltered. A "mas" is a working farm, usually focused on polyculture." Cellar worthy for 10-15 years.