2014 Domaine La Barroche Chateauneuf-du-Pape Signature, Southern Rhone

62% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 1% Vacarrese and 1% other varieties from vines averaging 70 years old and from several different plots featuring sands, clays and galets, with a high proportion of sands. Partially destemmed to remove under-ripe stems only, fermented in underground concrete vats with gentle extraction over 4 weeks, followed by 18 months maturation in 600 litre demi-muids between 1 and 3 years old. Bottled unfiltered.

‘(fermented in concrete and aged in used foudres and demi-muids): Vivid ruby. Deep, smoke-accented dark berry and floral pastille scents are sharpened by a note of peppery spice. Smoky and sweet in the mouth, offering concentrated boysenberry and cherry flavors and a hint of candied violet. Shows very good power and energy and finishes with excellent focus and length; velvety, late-arriving tannins add shape. Quite serious for an entry-level bottling; I'd bet on this making a solid cellar candidate.’

(91-93) points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, April 2016.