Domaine la Barroche "Julien Barrot Signature" Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2021

The Julien Barrot Signature Châteauneuf-du-Pape captures the essence of Domaine la Barroche and Julien Barrot’s winemaking philosophy. This opulent cuvée is a blend of century-old Grenache vines, Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Cinsault from the estate's finest terroirs. The wine showcases a deep color, a floral bouquet, freshness, and flavors of cocoa, leading to a delicate aftertaste. Reflecting the diversity of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s soils—yellow and red sand, red clay, and large pebbles with a high proportion of sand—the vineyards for this wine have an average age of over 70 years. The vines are meticulously pruned, harvested by hand, and sorted twice to ensure only the finest grapes are used. Fermentation involves gentle extraction over four weeks on the skins, followed by 20 months of aging in tulip-shaped concrete tanks, old oak casks, and 600-liter barrels. The result is a silky, structured wine with intense red fruit, licorice, and violet notes, perfectly embodying the terroir and the Barrot family's dedication to excellence.

Pair with grilled or roasted meats, stews, braised meats, mushroom risotto (or mushroom based dishes), aged cheeses, and Mediterranean fare.

94 Points James Suckling
A solid, well-built and precise red with aromas of dark cherries, dried herbs, dried leaves, baking spices and a hint of bark. Full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Solid frame and drive on the palate, with a core of dark cherries and vivid spices bringing vitality and an intense character toward the focused, long finish.

93 Vinous
Matured for 18 months in a combination of concrete tanks, foudre and demi-muids, the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Julien Barrot comes in at 15% alcohol. It reveals fragrant aromas of glossy red fruits, black cherry, licorice, white pepper, mint and hints of lavender. It is full-bodied, enveloped in smooth tannins and the bright finish concludes with good persistence.
Range: 91-93

90 Robert Parker
The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Julien Barrot delivers taut strawberry and raspberry fruit. The tannins in this medium to full-bodied wine are silky, but the long, crisp finish comes across slightly tart and edgy.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, an illustrious wine appellation in the Southern Rhône Valley, France, stands as a vinous icon recognized for its robust red blends. This renowned region boasts ancient vineyards and a rich winemaking tradition dating back to the papal residence in Avignon. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is unique for its allowance of up to 13 grape varieties in its blends, prominently featuring Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. The distinctive galets, large round stones that retain heat, dotting the vineyards contribute to the wines' complexity and distinctive character. These full-bodied reds are celebrated for their rich dark fruit flavors, a medley of spices, and a unique herbaceous quality known as garrigue. The appellation's commitment to traditional winemaking and its unique terroir results in wines that epitomize the essence of Southern Rhône winemaking, offering enthusiasts a captivating taste of history and the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence.

Nestled in the northern and north-eastern parts of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine La Barroche stands out with its diverse terroirs and century-old vines. This family-owned estate, with fewer than 15 hectares of vines, reflects the best of the appellation through its unique soil compositions. Nearly 80% of the estate features sandy topsoil with deep limestone, while the remaining plots consist of red clay, river stones, and red sandstone rich in iron. The estate’s key parcels, such as ""Les Terres Blanches,"" ""Les Cabrières,"" and ""Grand Pierre,"" showcase the variety of soils that allow each grape variety to express itself distinctly. This diversity enhances the depth and subtlety of their wines. Managed by siblings Laetitia and Julien Barrot, Domaine La Barroche employs organic farming practices and meticulous hand-picking and sorting, producing fresh, elegant, and well-balanced wines that embody the unique identity of each plot and the exceptional heritage of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.