DOMAINE LA BARROCHE Julien Barrot, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Paul Avril Clos des Papes is a wine producer in the Rhône Valley, making one of the most sought-after wines in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. The estate is made up of 24 small plots throughout the appellation totalling 32 hectares (79 acres). All of the 13 permitted grape varieties are grown in these vineyards, although Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah are the most important in terms of production. Picking is spread out to ensure maximum quality, and green harvests and strict berry selection ensures a low yield. Clos des Papes takes its name from one of its plots located near the ruins of the 14th Century Papal castle. There are two main wines associated with Clos des Papes: a red and a white wine. The red accounts for 90 percent of production and typically contains 65 percent Grenache, 20 percent Mourvedre and 10 percent Syrah, with the remainder made up of the other permitted Châteauneuf-du-Pape varieties. The wine is known for its finesse and elegance, and is one of the most important wines in the AOC. The white Châteauneuf-du-Pape is made up of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc and Picpoul, and is aged in stainless steel. Clos des Papes makes around 100,000 bottles a year, most of which is exported.

Domaine Saint-Damien is run by Joel and Amie Saurel whose family has been tending vineyards for four generations, dating back to 1821. Until relatively recently they sold all of their grapes to negociants. In 1998 they brought on consulting winemaker Philippe Cambie and haven’t looked back. Of the estates 42 acres of vineyards, 30 acres are in Gigondas with vines that have an average age of 50 years. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre matured in large old foudres for a period of 12 months. Deep black dark red colour with a dark red hue. Heady black raspberry, liquorice and black cherry aromas fill the nostrils with scorched earth, herb du Provence, subtle dried meat and pepper notes also chiming in. Rich, concentrated black cherry, black raspberry and liquorice fruits overlay, scorched earth, peppered dried meat characters and spicy dried herbs. Ripe muscular tannins provide robust structure. Excellent power with a long succulent spicy pepper infused aftertaste that carries a chewy feel. Drink over the next 6-8 years. Alc. 15%