drink-now2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Domaine des Sénéchaux

Domaine des Sénéchaux is currently the most exciting property in Châteaunuef du Pape. The reason? It has been purchased by Jean Michel Cazes of Lynch Bages fame in Bordeaux. Jean Michel and his son Jean Charles have recognised the outstanding quality of the terroir, with its trademark pudding stones and decorative old vines, and have adopted the clever strategy of consultation to ensure that the essence and personality of the wine is not fundamentally changed. As a result the wine is made in a similar way and its make up remains as before (65% Grenache, 15 % each of Syrah and Mourvèdre and a hint of both Cinsault and Counoise). Despite this, and maybe, paradoxically, because of it, the wine has improved virtually beyond recognition.The rich core of sweet fruit remains, but is now more concentrated and much more focused. The tannins are wonderfully woven, the aromatics infused with notes of chocolate and garrigue; the palate is profoundly satisfying. All in all very Châteauneuf Du Pape, but now from the top drawer; the Bordelais savoir faire subtly but memorably infused. The eponymous old men who adorn the label will have very good reasons to be pleased!

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{region}Rhône{region}
{color}Red{color}
{maturity}drink-now{maturity}
{maturity-text}Drink Now{maturity-text}
{vintage}2006{vintage}
{ratings}
[]The Wine Advocate::92/100
[]Robert Parker::90/100
{ratings}
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