Philippe Bravay makes my preferred style of Chateauneuf du Pape. Never over-the-top, his wines are perfumed, complex, and loaded with classic Provencal character.
In the charming 2023 vintage, he made a gorgeous Chateauneuf that is both graceful and refined, packed with intricate flavors of berries, complex spices, and peppery garrigue. I know this because I had a glass after work last night, and it put a big smile on my face : )
Through Christmas Eve, it's on deal for $59.99/bottle (no further discount), a great price for 95-point-rated Chateauneuf! 48 bottles in stock.
Domaine de Ferrand is one of the smaller Chateauneuf estates, as Bravay owns just 7.5 hectares in the northern part of the appellation. He works in a very traditional manner -- organic farming, old vines, low yields, no oak, and minimal filtration. "I do not use barriques because I want the wine of my vines and not a technical élevage which loses the origins of the wine."
His commitment to making terroir-driven Chateauneuf du Pape is admirable, and he crafted one of the most sensual wines of the vintage. A blend of 80% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 7% Mourvèdre, 3% Cinsault, and 5% Bourboulenc, it has "a pure, layered, graceful mouthfeel, ripe, silky tannins, and outstanding length," said Rhone master Jeb Dunnuck.
I concur with Mr. Dunnuck's notes, but I'll add a few of my own. What impressed me most about this wine was its silkiness and its refined tannic structure. For such a flavor-packed wine, it's downright creamy on the palate, offering up a texture that I usually only find in aged, top-flight Red Burgundies. I know this sounds a bit nuts, but I just call it like I taste it, and this tastes wonderful!
I recommend you let this put a smile on your face too, and this will pair well with lamb, beef, chicken, and pork, but no food is needed.
$59.99/bottle is well worth the price of entry on this one folks. Just 48 bottles up for grabs!
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
