Domaine de Marcoux - Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 (1.5L)
Price: $163.00
| Producer | Domaine de Marcoux |
| Country | France |
| Region | Rhone Valley |
| Subregion | Chateauneuf du Pape |
| Varietal | Chateauneuf du Pape |
| Vintage | 2020 |
| Sku | 2413289 |
| Size | 1.5L |
Vinous: 93 Points
Checking in at 15.5% alcohol the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a shimmering pale-ruby. It combines aromas of red and black cherry blackberry black plum garrigue and white pepper. Full-bodied elegant and wrapped in plush tannins this 2020 red is well-ba
Wine Advocate: 93 Points
The 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape?80% Grenache with small amounts of Syrah Mourvèdre and Cinsault?features complex aromas of crushed stone garrigue licorice and ripe cherries. It's full-bodied but also lively and zesty firm across the mid-palate then softly dusty on the lingering finish. The 2021 and 2022 vintages were not kind to Domaine de Marcoux. In 2021 said Sophie Armenier volumes were down about 50% because of frost in their vines in the southern sector. While the white grapes (mainly Roussanne) were harvested under decent conditions they measured 80 millimeters of rain on September 15 a couple of smaller rains and then 100 millimeters on October 3 which effectively ended their harvest. Despite the difficulties Sophie's son Vincent Estevenin who has been working alongside his mother at the domaine for the past several years said "It's a nice vintage very different from past years but good. I like the tannins?you can drink the wine young and enjoy it later." In 2022 the vines were affected by drought and a couple of episodes of hail. Fortunately the hail occurred in June and was followed by dry breezy weather so affected berries dried up and fell off without adversely impacting wine quality just volume. Armenier pointed out that their Côtes du Rhône was less impacted by the dry weather as the parcel is quite water-retentive. "It's why those vines were originally left out of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation." Farmed organically and certified as such since the early 1990s with the addition of certain biodynamic practices this is an excellent family-run domaine especially notable for its Vieilles Vignes bottling which comes from the lieux-dits of Les Esquierons and Charbonnières. More affordable bottlings?still worked organically?come from the family's property in Lirac and the aforementioned Côtes du Rhône. The 2021 harvest had just finished when I arrived at Domaine Marcoux on the afternoon of October 2nd. I was greeted by Vincent Estevenin and his mother Sophie Armenier. It was a relatively late vintage punctuated by occasional rainfalls so they were relieved to be done picking. The family's vineyards have been certified organic since 1991?among the first in the region. They work according to biodynamic principles but have never been certified in that regard. Altogether the family farms approximately 18 hectares in Chateauneuf du Pape divided among seven lieux-dits plus eight hectares in Lirac and a bit of Côtes du Rhône. Oak use is minimal and the wines are typically marked by plentiful garrigue notes. For value shrewd consumers should reach for the Côtes du Rhône and Lirac bottlings which can come close in quality to the blended Chateauneuf. The Vieilles Vignes is often in another quality realm altogether but it's priced accordingly and produced in small quantities?there are just 3900 bottles of the stupendous 2019 Cha^teauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. Visiting the estate allowed the opportunity to sample a couple of older vintages: 2011 and 2001 on their 10th and 20th anniversaries respectively. Collectors holding these wines should consider drinking them over the next few years although it may already be too late for the regular 2001 Cha^teauneuf du Pape. Tasted out of magnum both of the Vieilles Vignes bottlings are still drinking well but there is no reason to wait any longer. Even though Sophie's sister (Catherine who spent the bulk of her time in the vines) retired in 2019 it appears the future of this family-run estate remains secure for the moment as Vincent takes on more and more responsibility without any noticeable drop in quality. Published: Oct 12 2023
Vinous Media: 93 Points
Checking in at 15.5% alcohol, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a shimmering pale-ruby. It combines aromas of red and black cherry, blackberry, black plum, garrigue and white pepper. Full-bodied, elegant and wrapped in plush tannins, this 2020 red is well-balanced by refreshing acidity, closing with a complex finish.
Jeb Dunnuck: 93 Points
Vibrant black cherries, mulberries, peppery herbs, and spice are just some of the nuances in the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape, an utterly classic Châteauneuf du Pape that's medium to full-bodied, has the vintage's seamless profile, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. This beautiful, quintessential effort can be enjoyed any time over the coming 15 years or more. The 2020 is a normal blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault, brought up mostly in concrete tank, but with 20% in tronconique tanks and 5% in old barrels.
jd
Wine Spectator: 92 Points
A dark bold style that features black currant cassis and plum puree coursing alongside warm earth black pepper tobacco and steeped tea. Spicy tannins take hold on the finish with a whiff of tar and smoke. Grenache Mourvèdre Syrah and Cinsault. Best from 2025 through 2032. 2600 cases made 500 cases imported.
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