From the estate’s younger vines in Chateauneuf du Pape (around 50 year-old vines) and a new cuvee, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Premices is a blend of 100% Grenache that’s aged one-third in 225-liter French oak barrels and the balance in concrete tank for one year. Gorgeous all around and made in a friendly, seamless style that’s hard to resist, it possesses a translucent ruby color that’s followed by a perfumed array of kirsch, raspberry, flowers, and red licorice. Incredibly pure and smooth, with no hard edges and a silk-like texture, it stays light and elegant on the palate and is a joy to drink. It should drink nicely for 5-8 years. Drink now-2019.
This is a terrific lineup of wines by the brother and sister team of Marie and Francois Giraud. Their 2011s are certainly near the top of the vintage, with the 2012s looking just as good. In addition to releasing stunning reds, this estate always produces a terrific white. Marie produced three red Chateauneufs in 2012, with no Les Gallimardes due to the tiny quantity. During my tasting, Marie commented on the rain in late September and the difficulty in deciding when to pick. Opting to wait until after the rain for the majority of their plots, this spread the harvest out over five weeks as opposed to the normal two weeks.
Importer: Eric Solomon, European Cellars, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565
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