2008 Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac Duo (1990 & 1998)
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Tasting notes
Drinking even better now than on release, and up there with the best of the vintage, the 2008 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac is lithe and elegant, with beautiful red fruit-driven aromas, licorice, garrigue, and minerals all emerging from the glass and developing with air. Fresh, clean, and complex, this medium-bodied 2008 has a silky, polished texture, excellent underlying structure, and plenty of length on the finish. It will continue to improve with another year or three, and drink well for a decade. Perfect with food, this is one of those off vintage purchases that you’ll look back on and pat yourself on the back for buying.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Ruby-red. Bright, high-pitched red and dark berries on the nose, with a complex array of floral and spice qualities gaining strength with air. Lively, focused and alluringly sweet, with deep but spirited raspberry and cherry flavors and a nervy mineral spine. The finish leaves spice and floral notes behind, along with a hint of rose pastille.
Deep red. Tighter and more focused on the nose than the Croix de Bois, displaying scents of redcurrant and cherry complicated by white pepper and minerals. Zesty red fruit flavors become smokier with air and offer good mineral lift and snap. Gains a floral quality on the nicely focused, sweet finish. I like this wine's clarity and vivacity.
Mid crimson with some evolution. Really quite pale, but interesting! Lots of body and life and development. One could enjoy this tonight with its juicy fruit dominating the tannins. It tastes like a sandy wine with its obvious fruit. So easy and fresh but not desperately long term. A really delicious mouthful. (JR)
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Product details
Syrah / Shiraz, Garnacha Blanca/Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro
Red
Dry