2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois
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Tasting notes
Vivid ruby-red. Powerful, spice-accented red berry and spicecake aromas are complemented by suave floral and incense nuances that expand as the wine opens up. Appealingly sweet and broad on the palate, offering juicy raspberry, cherry liqueur, star anise and floral pastille flavors supported by a vein of juicy acidity. Smoothly plays richness off energy and finishes supple and extremely long, with lingering spice and floral notes and smooth tannins that add shape and subtle grip. Aged in concrete tanks.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
More blackberry, blueberry, violets, ground pepper, and flowers emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Croix De Bois, which is also all Grenache brought up in concrete. It's full-bodied, deep, seriously concentrated, has ample tannins, and a huge finish. This is another brilliant Grenache from Chapoutier that delivers everything you could want from the variety. Surprisingly, it’s less approachable than the Barbe Rac (which is normally the more structured wine) and will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age.
Another 100% Grenache CdP, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois hints at garrigue on the nose, then eases into a dense, compact ball of dark fruit. Concentrated and tannic, this looks as if it will need five years or more to slowly unfurl its dense layers of dark berries, black olives, licorice and tea.
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Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro
Red
Dry