Community Tasting Note

Clemster wrote:

Thursday, February 1, 2024 - Xavier Vignon carefully selects his Cuvée Anonyme from among the most promising barrels at his top client estates, each of which (thanks in part to Xavier’s heedful supervision) produced its own benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 2016. The star-studded list includes Raymond Usseglio, Château La Nerthe, Domaine La Mordorée, and Domaine de Beaurenard, among others. Which means that this unique cuvée takes selection to the highest possible level: the cream of the cream of the cream. Seven of the thirteen permitted varieties are in the blend, which is mostly comprised of 65% Grenache Noir and 25% Mourvèdre, with the balance made up of Vaccarèse, Counoise, Cinsault, Terret Noir and Muscardin. All four important terroirs are represented: la Crau, les galets roulés, les sables, and les Urgoniens.In the glass, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Anonyme has a has a dark garnet color, almost black at the center, yet limpid in natural light, as if it were illuminated from within. Ripe griotte cherries, melted baker’s chocolate, black licorice, and a basket of dried flowers and spices all move in and out of the foreground, giving way to mulberry jam, black truffles, cardamom, and herbes de Provence as the nose develops in the glass. On the palate, the wine is thick, opulent, and velvety, with sweet graphite-infused black fruit flavors that echo the nose: black cherries, cassis, dates, and dried figs. The palpable mineral extract, voluptuous ripe tannins, and the low-pH Mourvèdre all contribute to the wine’s compelling length of flavors, and the wine gains weight over time in the glass. This is a towering achievement, with fine, laser linear tannins that should carry the wine effortlessly through the next decade. Drink now – 2030

Rack of lamb with Provençal herbs and garlic, grilled butterflied leg of lamb, and grilled steaks are just some of the pairings that have worked perfectly with this wine.

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