Maker:
Whilst this small estate is relatively new to estate bottling (first vintage 2003) in the list of producers of Chateauneuf, the Barrot family that owns these 12.5 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape have been established in the village since about 1400. The average age of the vines at La Barroche is 60 years old and one third of the vineyards are more than 100 years old (Grenache). Most of the vineyards of the estate are located in the north and north-east of the appellation with just a few plots located close to the town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the southern side.
A new vinification cellar was built opposite Clos des Papes starting with 2015 vintage. Vinification here is temperature controlled with large tulip shaped cement tanks used for fermentation and a mixture of cement and large foudres used for elevage of the Grenache based components and smaller oak used for the ageing of Syrah and Mourvedre based components. In the cellar wine is moved by gravity down to the cool underground cellar and done according to the lunar calendar and weather patterns. The wines of La Barroche are modern in the best sense, clean, pure and brilliant.
Vineyard:
Established in 2003 as Domaine La Barroche. The Barrot family has had vineyards and lived in the village since the 15th century. The total vineyard area is 12.5 ha, operating in the appellations AOC Chateauneuf du Pape and Vin de France. The vineyards receive sustainable - organic principles.
Product Description
In the winery Julien and Laetitia Barrot prefer gravity to minimise the use of pumps. Ferments occur in large cement tulip shaped fermenters with temperature control for 4 weeks. For cap management they employ gentle pump overs and very minimal punch downs ensure soft extraction. Maturation regime is 20 months in large foudres and some 600 litre demi-muids.
Made from 60% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 1% Vaccarese, 2% other varieties grown mainly in the north/north-east area of the appellation in red clay and sandy soil with average age of vines being 65 yo and nearly 50% of the Grenache being 100+ yo. This gives a wine with a great deal of freshness and extremely refined aromas with an elegant silky mouthfeel. Aged for 18 months on lees in demi-muid barrels. The resulting wine is fresh with great elegance yet also texture and great length and depth to the palate. This will surprise with its ageing capacity yet is so approachable already.
Tasting Note:
Nose - Kirsch, Crush Herbs, Pepper
Plenty of preserved cherry and black raspberry fruit with notes of rosemary and thyme.
Palate - Fleshy, Silky, Dense
It shines for its balance and elegance on the palate, but still brings substantial fruit as well as structure.
Finish - Ripe Tannins, Crushed Stone
blackberry fruits as well as licorice, crushed stone, and ground pepper.
Rich and fleshy, but with excellent tannin structure behind it, this is a very impressive modern style Chateauneuf. Plenty of preserved cherry and black raspberry fruit with notes of rosemary and thyme. Lovely silky texture until you reach the firm finish, which promises many more years of life. A cuvee of 60% grenache, 19% mourvedre, 13% syrah, 5% syrah and 3% other traditional grapes for the region. Drink or hold.. - James Suckling.
Mainly old-vine (50–100 years) Grenache with 20% Mourvèdre and the balance Syrah and Cinsault. Aged in large old wooden casks. Wonderful purity on the nose, crushed violets, fig and ripe red fruits. Very elegant nose, super-fine and delineated tannins. This shows real class and elegance, it's light on its feet but has great concentration behind it. Will drink young but also age extremely well. - Alistair Cooper MW, jancisrobinson.com
I was able to taste two releases from Julien Barrot. Looking first at his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Julien Barrot, which is a blend of 60% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah, and a handful of other varieties, it sports a deeper purple hue to go with a fabulous bouquet of kirsch and blackberry fruits as well as licorice, crushed stone, and ground pepper. It shines for its balance and elegance on the palate, but still brings substantial fruit as well as structure. It's a thrilling wine that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and keep for two decades in cold cellars - Jeb Dunnuck.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - 60% Grenache, 19% Mourvèdre, 13% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 1% Vaccarèse, 2% other
Country - France
Region - Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Vintage - 2020
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 15%
