【Superb Terroir, the finest location just a stone's throw from the renowned Chateau Rayas】
【2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Century Vintage - Wine Advocate 98 points】
【One of the superstars of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation】
【Highly praised and recognized by world-class wine critics such as Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson, and Stephen Tanzer, with Robert Parker even awarding a perfect score】
【Using vines aged 70 to over 100 years】
【"Signature" blend, the most representative of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region】
【Wine Advocate 94】【Jeb Dunnuck 93 pts】
【Vinous 93】【Wine Spectator 92】
ZTF704 Domaine La Barroche Chateauneuf du Pape Signature 2007
Special Price：$530/btl
Region： France / Rhone Valley / Chateauneuf du Pape
Grape variety : 60% grenache, 20% mourvedre, 14% syrah and the rest "other ones"
Alcohol content：15%
Volume : 750ml
The Signature 2007, crafted from grapes from vines over 70 years old, is a classic blend of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Using a large proportion of GSM (Grenache-Mourvèdre-Syrah) and smaller proportions of other varieties, it boasts a complex and layered flavor profile. Notes of red roses and violets are complemented by ripe dried cranberries and a hint of smoke. On the palate, rich, ripe red fruit flavors emerge, followed by notes of toast and animal hide. The mouthfeel is full-bodied and becomes even more refined with decanting.
【Wine Advocate 94】
Probably the best vintage of this cuvee to date (the '10 will give it a run for its money), the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Signature is a decadent, voluptuous and concentrated Chateauneuf made in a hard-to-resist, pedal-to-the-metal style. Beautifully ripe and textured, yet still fresh and lively, with tons of sweet black raspberry, licorice, leather and Provencal garrigue, it does just fine when tasted beside its big brother and is drinking beautifully today. Enjoy it anytime over the coming decade.
【Jeb Dunnuck 93 pts】
(60% grenache, 20% mourvedre, 14% syrah and the rest "other ones") Ruby-red. Raspberry and boysenberry aromas are complicated by mocha and anise. Creamy red berry preserve flavors gain weight and richness with air and take a turn to richer blueberry and boysenberry on the back. Rich but energetic, with excellent clarity and florality on the persistent finish.
【Wine Spectator 92】
Solidly built, with an ample core of boysenberry, blackberry and braised fig fruit flavors laced with dark licorice. The long, grippy finish lets crème de cassis and plum sauce notes sail on. Rather fruit-centric now, but has the stuffing to develop further.
Domaine La Barroche is one of the superstars of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation. With a long history, the winery is one of the oldest buildings in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. However, this superstar is not famous for its long winemaking history, but rather for their advanced winemaking techniques and modern vineyard management.
Domaine La Barroche was founded by Alexander Barrot in 1703. In the late 19th century, Eugene Gabriel meticulously studied the local terroir to select the most suitable plots for growing grapes. In the 1970s, as many left the vineyards for factory work, Christian Barroche took over the winery, continuing the family tradition. In 2015, Domaine la Barroche underwent a major renovation and modernization of all its cellars and winemaking equipment, including the addition of new conical concrete vats for fermentation.
The winery is currently managed by brother and sister Julien and Laetitia. Laetitia, the elder sister, brings a feminine touch to the traditionally male-dominated world of grape cultivation, becoming the estate's backbone and an indispensable link between its various partners. For Laetitia, a major in International Trade and Communications, the world is a global village, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the center of that village.
After working for over a decade for major multinational corporations, Laetitia answered the call of home and returned to the vineyards of her birthplace. She hopes to further promote the rich terroir and exquisite wines of her family estate, which has a long history.
His younger brother, Julien, is a dedicated winegrower and winemaker. In 2002, at the age of 22, Julien, having earned a business school diploma in oenology, began working at the winery. He exemplifies the spirit of a committed young winemaker, eager to learn, open-minded, and at the same time deeply respectful of the terroir and the techniques passed down through generations. Owner Julien Barroche has his own fascinating winemaking philosophy. In private conversation, he explained that his Palate Education has led him to favor the traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape winemaking method. Grapes are simply fruits, so why seek out fruity flavors in wine?
Domaine La Barroche's vineyards cover nearly 15 hectares, planted with a variety of grape varieties tailored to the microclimate. These include Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette, and Vaccarese. Grenache was primarily planted in the early 20th century. 80% of the vineyard's soil is composed of surface sand and underlying limestone, while the remaining 20% is composed of clay, river pebbles, and sand, which are reddish in color due to the iron content.
