2016 Bosquet des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes
Community Tasting Note
WineDuq Does not like this wine:
88 Points
Saturday, April 29, 2023 - Alcohol and stewed/baked fruit on the nose. No freshness. 2015 was the same. Shows all of its 15.5% alcohol. Ripe fruit sweetness, but the alcohol dominates and the baked notes not to my taste. Seems like a relic from the Parkerized wines of the early 2000s. Pass on this producer in the future.
Post a Comment / View WineDuq's profileDo you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (2,377 views)
5 comments have been posted
Post a Comment
/ View WineDuq's profile
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (2,377 views)
Do you find this review helpful? Yes - No / Report Issue (2,377 views)
Comment posted by nowine4u:
4/29/2023 7:57:00 PM - Is it possible that you had a bad bottle?
Comment posted by WineDuq:
4/30/2023 6:24:00 AM - Nowine4u It’s possible (given all the other glowing reviews), but the fact that I felt the 2015 vintage of this wine came across the same makes me wonder. For my tastes, some producers display oft roasted fruit character and when heading above 15.5% alcohol it’s difficult to come across balanced. I do have be more bottle of the ‘16 left. Hopefully it will be more enjoyable.
Comment posted by FredericoWines:
4/30/2023 6:58:00 AM - I had '15 and find similar experience but not as bad as you did. I still considered it a well made wine but may need a few more years in bottle. Here's my notes back in Jun 2020:
"Decanted for one hour. Strawberry and cherry nose. Surprised that it was light body and light/bright ruby color. If I tasted it blinded I'd say it's a Burgundian style Pinot Noir. But the 15.5% ABV showed its heat. Although a light and elegant style, I still felt the tannins were unsettled. Would it be better with one or two more hours of decant or one to two years of cellaring? I don't know and I will not know as it's my only bottle. Look forward to my another bottle of '16 in 3-5 years though."
I have 3 '16s and will open one to see.
Comment posted by Vinomazing:
5/2/2023 11:23:00 PM - Might be in stewed messy slumber, this vintage may require 5+ yrs to start to form up and come around
Comment posted by nowine4u:
2/18/2024 7:03:00 AM - Thank you everyone for comments and perspective. Since I don't have any experience with this producer, I will just increase my drink window setting and hope it comes together.