2004 Domaine Saint Laurent Mas Des Amphorelles Chateauneuf-du-Pape

 

Mission Codename: The Pope’s New Castle… I Mean Wine

Operative: Agent White

Objective: Discover a unique Chateauneuf-du-Pape only available for The Wine Spies

Mission Status: Accomplished!

Current Winery: Domaine Saint Laurent

Wine Subject: 2004 Mas Des Amphorelles Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Winemaker: Robert Henri Sinard

Backgrounder:

Chateauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most unique and loved wines of the Southern Rhone. Its location is just south of the town of Orange and north of Avignon. The requirements of the AOC are somewhat loose compared to other AOCs and thus, Chateauneuf-du-Pape (CDP) can be made with a wide range of up to 13 grapes including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Picpoul, Terret Noir, Cinsault, Roussanne and several other grapes. The process of this unique blend is called encepagement. While most CDP wines use Grenache as the primary grape, newer vintages are leaning more to Syrah and Mourvedre. The 2004 Mas Des Amphorelles Chateauneuf-du-Pape, given its Grenache base, is considered more traditional in its blend.

Wine Spies Tasting Profile:

Look – Dark garnet red with brick edges and a springy surface texture that is luminescent and excellent clarity.

Smell – Intense scents of blackberry, stone-fruit, dark cherry, medium oak and toasted cedar with a hint of earthiness.

Feel – Dry and chewy with a firm structure and full-bodied mouth feel.

Taste – Excellent flavors of dark fruit, blackberries (but the fruit doesn’t dominate) with layers of toasted oak and cedar and a slight hint of exotic spice.

Finish – This wine finishes long, rich and smooth as its layers of flavor are exposed.

Conclusion – This wine is extremely well balanced and lives up to its traditional characteristics. It is full-bodied, rich, with great fruit and spice. Given its structure, this wine is the kind of wine that inspires conversation and lends itself to both a great meal as well as on its own.

Mission Report:

RADIO TRANSMISSION:

Avignon, France… February 15, 2008…

Agent White reporting to HQ…

BREAK

Arrived in in Chateauneuf-du-Pape late last night after surveillance of Domaine Saint Laurent. Agent Baco’s intel reports proved accurate. Robert Henri Sinard making among the best traditional CDP wines in region.

BREAK

Local assets report that Robert Henri’s son will be taking over the family business and continue the family tradition of winemaker.

BREAK

Follow up action required. Have samples in possession. Must make this wine available to United States operatives ASAP. Wine is currently only available in France.

Agent White Out…

Wine Spies Vineyard Check:

The location of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC can be seen in this satellite photo.

Rare Wine Alert:

Today’s wine from Domaine Saint Laurent is extremely rare and exclusive and is only available in the United States to retail customers through The Wine Spies. If you are a fan of Chateauneuf-du-Pape you should be sure to pick up a few bottles and if you haven’t tried a Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this is an excellent example of one of France’s most famous wines.