Learn everything about Domaine La Barroche Chateauneuf du Pape, with wine tasting notes, wine, and food pairing tips, best vintages, a history of the property, information on the vineyards, and winemaking. If you want to read about other important wineries and winemakers from the Rhone valley: Links to all Rhone Valley Wine Producer Profiles
Domaine La Barroche History, Overview
Domaine la Barroche is one of the new super stars in the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. This is due entirely to recent changes in their wine-making and vineyard management techniques. But the truth is, Domaine La Barroche has a long history in the Southern Rhone Valley as they are one of the older properties in the Chateauneuf du Pape!
In fact, they date all the way back to the 17th century. Domaine la Barroche was founded when Alexandre Barrot began obtaining land in Chateauneuf du Pape. Those original purchases, which became what we know of as Domaine la Barroche, along with more land bought at later dates, have remained in the hands of the same family for hundreds of years.
The beginning of the modern era for Domaine la Barroche starts in 1972 when the Barrot family, headed by Christian Barrot began expanding their vineyards in Chateauneuf du Pape.
In 1972, the estate was only slightly more than 2 hectares in size. At the time, their fruit was bought by negociants and sold under the name of “Lou Destre d’Antan.” The name was a homage to his grandfather.
The next jump forward for Domaine la Barroche occurred in 2002 when the son of Christian Barrot, Julien Barrot joined the family business. The following year, 2003 was the first time people began taking notice of what was taking place with the wines of Domaine la Barroche.
One of the first improvements at the estate Julien Barrot requested was the addition of three new vats that would allow for the fermentation process to take place based on specific parcels or grape varieties.
In 2006, the young Julien Barrot was given a lot more responsibility and things have never been the same. Today, the charming Laetitia Barrot Latour helps her brother, Julien Barrot in managing the estate.
In 2015, Domaine la Barroche completed a massive renovation and modernization of all their cellars and wine-making facilities including adding new, conical-shaped concrete vats for fermentation. The estate now partially destems their grapes and most of the aging takes place in foudres.
Domaine la Barroche Vineyards, Wines, Winemaking
Currently, Domaine la Barroche owns 15.5 hectares of Chateauneuf du Pape vineyards on stony, sandy terroir, dedicated to the production of red wine. Although there are portions of the vineyards that are not currently in production.
While their best terroir is sand and rock-covered soil, you also find limestone and even red clay and iron-enriched sandstone soils.
One of their best terroirs is located next to Chateau Rayas. Most of their vineyards are situated in the northern part of the appellation. They have old vines which average more than 70 years of age. However, they have very old vines as well.
In fact, some of which are more than 100 years ago! While Grenache is of course their primary grape planted, they have smaller plantings of Mourvedre, Syrah, Cinsault, Clairette Blanche, Vaccarese, Terret Noir, and Clairette Rose.
While most of their vineyards are planted to red wine grape varieties, in their holdings, .5 hectares are reserved for the production of white wine grapes for Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc.
At Domaine la Barroche, the fruit is sorted in the vineyards and again at the cellars before being cold macerated, prior to harvest. A portion of the Grenache can be whole cluster vinified. The wine is aged in concrete vats, small barrels, or large foudres. The grape variety determines which vessel is used.
The best vintages for Domaine la Barroche are: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005 and 2003.
Domaine la Barroche has added and removed from their lineup of wines produced at the estate since 2003. By 2006 they were releasing 4 different wines. That is no longer the case.
Starting with the 2012 vintage. Domaine la Barroche produces 2 red Chateauneuf du Pape wines.
In 2015, they added a new wine to their portfolio, La Barroche Liberty, which is sold as a Vin de France.
However, starting with the 2016 vintage, La Barroche added a white Chateauneuf du Pape to their portfolio, Pure Blanc. In total, the average annual production is about 3,000 cases of wine per vintage.
Domaine la Barroche Cuvee Pure – Pure is produced from between 97% old vine Grenache to 100%% depending on the vintage, hence the name Pure. The label is stark white, to further the Pure theme. The terroir is pure sandy soils in the Grand Pierre, Rayas and Pointu lieux-dits. The vines are old, having been planted back in 1901.
The vines are quite close to Rayas. The grapes are partially destemmed. The vinification is conducted in concrete vats. Malolactic fermentation takes place in tanks. The wine is aged one, large, old oak foudre for about 18 months before bottling.
This wine can be quite difficult to find as less than 300 cases per year are produced. For some reason, at least with the 2007 vintage, two separate bottling’s were produced, one was filtered and the other was unfiltered. There is no way to tell which you’re buying.
Domaine la Barroche Signature, produced from a blend that varies from 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah, and a portion of Cinsault, along with various allowable grape varieties. The terroir is a mix of sand, stone, and clay soils.
The vines are quite scattered over the appellation as they are planted in the Bois Dauphin, Cabrieres, le Grand Pierre, les Mascaronnes, Palestor, le Parc, le Pied Long, Pierre a Feu, Pointu, and Rayas lieux-dits. The grapes are partially destemmed grapes for this wine come from vines that vary in age from 18 years of age up to 100 years in age.
La Barroche Signature is aged in a combination of foudres and stainless steel vats. The Grenache is aged in foudres, the Syrah and Mourvedre are aged in French oak barrels and demi-muids, and the Cinsault is aged in concrete vats for an average of 18 months.
Domaine la Barroche Cuvee Pure Blanc In 2016, the estate introduced a new white wine made from 100% Clairette.
Domaine La Barroche Liberty – The wine is made from old vines, many of which are almost 70 years old. Dominated by Grenache, the fruit comes from vines placed in both the Cotes du Rhone appellation and in Chateauneuf du Pape.
Due to AOC laws, because the grapes come from 2 different appellations La Barroche Liberty is sold as a Vin de France, and not a Cotes du Rhone. The first vintage was produced in 2015.
La Barroche Liberty comes from a blend that is on average 55% Grenache, 18% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, 2.5% Carignan, and 2.5 Cinsault, although that can vary, depending on the vintage. La Barroche Liberty while quite tasty, is a wine to drink in its youth, between 5-7 years of age.
When to Drink Domaine La Barroche, Anticipated Maturity, Decanting Time
Domaine La Barroche can be enjoyed on the young side. Young vintages can be popped and poured, or decanted for 1-2 hours or so. This allows the wine to soften and open its perfume. Older vintages might need very little decanting, just enough to remove the sediment.
Domaine La Barroche is usually better with 3-6 years of bottle age. Of course, that can vary slightly, depending on the vintage. In the best vintages, the wine should be consumed within 8-20 years after the vintage.
Serving Domaine la Barroche with Wine, Food, Pairing Tips
Domaine la Barroche is best served at 15.5 degrees Celsius, 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The cool, almost cellar temperature gives the wine more freshness and lift.
Domaine la Barroche is best served with all types of classic meat dishes, veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, roast chicken, roasted, braised, stewed dishes, sausage, eggplant, tomatoes, and cassoulet. Domaine la Barroche is also good with Asian dishes, hearty fish courses like tuna, mushrooms, and pasta.
The following two wines from Domaine la Barroche are no longer in production.
Domaine la Barroche Terroir, produced from young vines, is made from 95% Grenache. The vines are among the youngest of their holdings, belonging to Barroche as they are between 15 to 20 years of age. The production averages 1,750 cases per vintage. 2010 was the final vintage.
Domaine la Barroche Cuvee Fiancee – Made from 50% Grenache and 50% Syrah, the vines range in age from as young as 25 years, to as old as more than 100 years of age. The old vine Grenache comes from the Terres Blanches vineyard and the Syrah is planted in the Cabrieres lieu-dit.
The wine is aged for 18 months, give or take, in large, oak barrels. The production is quite small, with an average of only 350 cases per vintage.
Domaine la Barroche Wine Tasting Notes
34 Vintages 136,788 Views Sort by Vintage-Rating
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2021
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Roses and violets, licorice, and kirsch-liqueur aromatics create the perfume. However, it is on the palate where the wine really shines. Silky, fresh, sensuous, pure, soft, and polished raspberries, cherries, and kirsch cover the mid-palate and the elegant finish, leaving you with a hint of chocolate and white pepper in the endnote that rounds everything out. This wine is made from 100% Grenache, hence the name Pure. Drink from 2024-2036. 469 Views Tasted Jan 30, 2024 |
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2021
Domaine la Barroche Julien Barrot (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Garrigue, underbrush, flowers, and kirsch aromas open the wine. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, fresh, elegant, forward, and refined, with soft, silky tannins, and a finish loaded with sweet, black raspberries, and a peppery kirsch. Drink from 2024-2032. 346 Views Tasted Jan 30, 2024 |
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2020
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
With a strong sensation of roses to start things off, the wine quickly moves to salty kirsch, licorice and peppery spices on the nose. On the palate, the wine is silky, fresh and refined with loads of dark red fruits, herbs, olives and peppery spices that come on the endnote. This is quit strong for the vintage. The wine, as you probably know by now takes its name from the fact that it's made from 100% pure, old vine Grenache. Drink from 2023-2036. 2,226 Views Tasted Jan 27, 2023 |
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2020
Domaine la Barroche Julien Barrot (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Black raspberries, wet earth, flowers, plums, herbs and kirsch create the nose. On the palate, the wine is polished, fresh, vibrant and shows a distinctive mineral character. You can drink this on release, or wait a few years for more complexity. with a myriad of herbs create the nose. On the palate. the wine is round, soft, sweet, polished and fresh with an elegant, silky textured, peppery finish. There is good length and purity here. Drink from 2023 - 2034. 1,941 Views Tasted Jan 27, 2023 |
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2019
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
This is mind-blowing from the initial sniff and sip and it only gets better from there with its endless waves of black, and red cherries, kirsch, black raspberries, thyme, flowers, herbs and spices. As good as that is, it is the elegant, silky, refined, purity of fruit on the palate that steals the show! The wine is elegantly styled with refined, yet supple textures and a sweet and spicy, kirsch finish. This wine is made from 100% Grenache, hence the name Pure. Drink from 2025 - 2040 4,075 Views Tasted Jan 9, 2022 |
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2019
Domaine la Barroche Tradition (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Roses, dark cherries, kirsch and black raspberries with a myriad of herbs create the nose. On the palate. the wine is round, soft, sweet, polished and fresh with an elegant, silky textured, peppery finish. There is good length and purity here. Drink from 2023 - 2038 1,765 Views Tasted Jan 9, 2022 |
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2018
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Lush, long, rich and floral, with accents of thyme, pepper, cherries and black raspberries. Suave and silky soft and sweet, with silky textures and beautiful purity to the kirsch in the finish. The wine, as you probably already know by now, takes its name from the fact that it's made from 100% pure, old vine Grenache. 2,863 Views Tasted Oct 12, 2020 |
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2018
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Black raspberries, grilled meat, Herbs de Provence and forest notes work well on the nose. On the palate, the wine is soft, silky, elegant and pure, with a sweet, juicy kirsch note in the finish. 4,999 Views Tasted Oct 12, 2020 |
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2018
Domaine la Barroche Liberty (Vin de France)
Medium-bodied, forward, bright red fruits, herbs with a dried, red cherry finish for early drinking pleasure. 1,999 Views Tasted Aug 26, 2020 |
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2017
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Licorice, spice, herbs and red fruits galore. On the palate, there is a nice sensation of purity in the luscious, silky red cherries. Long, sweet and velvety, this is quite nice for the vintage. The wine, as you probably already know by now, takes its name from the fact that it's made from 100% pure, old vine Grenache. 3,471 Views Tasted Sep 20, 2019 |
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2017
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Spice, herbs, olives and peppery red fruits pop straight from the bottle. On the palate the wine is soft, silky and fresh with sweetness to the fruits. In the end you find polished tannins and black plums, cherries, licorice and pepper in the lush finish. The wine is made from 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah and various other allowable grape varieties. 3,530 Views Tasted Sep 21, 2019 |
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2017
Domaine la Barroche Liberty (Vin de France)
What a super Chateauneuf du Pape look-alike wine. From the get-go, you find all these great, ripe, juicy cherries, black pepper, wet earth and herbs. Texturally, the wine is lush, with plenty of sweet, ripe red fruits. Produced from a blend of grapes coming from Chateauneuf du Pape and the Cotes du Rhone, this is a top, Southern Rhone value wine that you can purchase by the case. And it is ready to drink today! 2,579 Views Tasted Jul 30, 2020 |
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2016
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
This is pure silk and velvet. The wine is incredibly rich, yet it is almost weightless to taste. The freshness in the fruit, coupled with the vibrancy, pepper, length and velvet textures is off the hook. The wine expands, gaining in complexity as it flows across your palate. This is mind-blowing juice with a finish that remains with you for close to 60 seconds! The wine, as you probably already know by now, takes its name from the fact that it\'s made from almost 100% pure, old vine Grenache. The actual blend is 97% Grenache with 3% of various other, assorted varieties. 7,032 Views Tasted Sep 6, 2018 |
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2016
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Fiancée (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Strong black pepper notes, garrigue, barbecue and ripe, red berries gets things started. On the palate, the wine is full bodied, deep and loaded with olives, rocks, stones and deep, dark, ripe, sweet, spicy, fresh, red fruits. The wine was made by blending 50% Grenache with 50% Syrah. 2,763 Views Tasted Sep 6, 2018 |
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2016
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Silky, sweet, fresh, soft, elegant, ripe, spicy red fruits with a depth of flavor kick things off. On the palate the wine shows plush, polished characteristics with an olive and peppery accent that rides on top of all that ripe, juicy fruit in the finish. The wine is made from 62% Grenache and various other allowable grape varieties. 2,837 Views Tasted Sep 6, 2018 |
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2016
Domaine la Barroche Liberty (Vin de France)
Medium-bodied, forward, soft, earthy, fruity wine with a core of kirsch, earth, licorice and thyme that appears in the nose and on the round palate. This is already showing just great today. 2,619 Views Tasted Oct 4, 2020 |
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2015
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Earthy, nutty, smoked herbs and peppery cherries gets the on the road. Next, you find all the sensuous, luscious, sweet kirsch you need. The wine is elegantly styled with refined, yet supple textures and a sweet and spicy, kirsch finish. This wine is made from 100% Grenache, hence the name Pure. 3,981 Views Tasted Aug 21, 2017 |
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2015
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Earthy with exotic spices, smoke, thyme kirsch liqueur. Rich, long and fresh, with tannins that ask politely for some time, the wine finishes with a juicy, peppery cherry and licorice note. The wine is made from a blend of 62% Grenache, 18% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, with 1% Clairette rose' and 1% Vaccarese. 4,142 Views Tasted Aug 21, 2017 |
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2015
Domaine la Barroche Liberty (Vin de France)
Ready to drink, the wine is lushly textured and shows its peppery, red fruits, garrigue and thyme characteristics with ease. The finish offers sweet, ripe berries, a touch of jam, pepper, black cherry, dark cocoa and herbs. This is not a long term hold, so drink it now and over the next 3-5 years. 2,321 Views Tasted Nov 26, 2020 |
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2014
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
The floral nose, with its kirsch, thyme and cherry essence really gets you going. Elegant and refined, sweet and forward, this 100% Grenache based wine is quite silky on the palate with a good purity of fruit that's easy to see from start to finish. 3,679 Views Tasted Jun 24, 2016 |
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2014
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Luscious, lusty and fresh, with sweet, ripe kirsch, cherries and licorice that feels great on the palate from start to finish. 2,749 Views Tasted Jun 23, 2016 |
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2013
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Fully ready for prime time drinking, the wine offers a medium-bodied, soft, elegant blend of kirsch, black raspberries, thyme, garrigue and pepper, with a nice hit of juicy, ripe cherries in the finish. 2,219 Views Tasted Aug 3, 2020If you like young wines and you have a bottle, pop it for a blast of juicy, sweet, dark red fruits, with a big dose of spice, black pepper and ripe cherries. This lusty wine is ready to go. The blend was produced using 55% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 1% Vaccarese and the remaining 1% comes from other, assorted grapes. 3,870 Views Tasted Sep 14, 2016Smooth, fresh and forward, there is a nice sweetness to the polished fruits. The wine was produced from blending 55% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 1% Vaccarese and the remaining 1% comes from other, assorted grapes. 2,186 Views Tasted Sep 7, 2015 |
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2012
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Kirsch, kirsch and more kirsch are tasted in the waves of sweet, ripe, luscious, silky layers of fruit. From almost 100% old vine Grenache. 2,721 Views Tasted Sep 17, 2014 |
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2012
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Showing some lightening in the color, the wine offers a classic garrigue, jammy kirsch and smoke filled nose. Supple, rich, elegant and forward, the finish delivers loads of juicy, sweet cherries and Asian spice characteristics. 2,831 Views Tasted Sep 14, 2016Peppery kirsch, with good freshness, juicy fruits and a supple textured, spicy, black raspberry finish. From a blend of 65% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre, 13% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 1% other varietals, the wine reached 15% ABV. 2,157 Views Tasted Sep 10, 2014 |
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2011
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Slightly past full-maturity, the nose focuses on its garrigue, olive, leaf and spicy red berry side. Medium-bodied, bright, crisp and tart, there is an herbal edge to the fruit in the finish. My instincts say it's best to consume this over the next couple of years before the fruit continues fading. 2,593 Views Tasted Aug 11, 2020Licorice, garrigue and kirsch notes lead to a plush, polished, luscious blast of ripe, sweet, peppery fruits in the finish. 2,345 Views Tasted Aug 19, 2014 |
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2010
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
This gorgeous wine offers a blast of earthy kirsch, spice, thyme and herbs on the nose. Deep in color, the wine looks and tastes young. Full-bodied and loaded with layers of plush, ripe, fresh, polished, silky red fruits, this wine fills your palate with layers of cherries, plums, spice and licorice. 2-3 more years of cellaring for this concentrated stunner will add more complexity and softness to the wine. 4,052 Views Tasted Oct 14, 2019From 100% old vine Grenache, the stunning wine is deep ruby in color. Packed with layers of rich, intense, fat, ripe, unctuous, fresh, sweet, ripe, jammy berries, spice and licorice. This is intense, mouth filling and long, yet never tiring to drink. 4,700 Views Tasted May 31, 2013 |
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2010
Domaine la Barroche Signature (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Exciting scents of garrigue, jammy berries, fig, licorice and black cherry get this going. It’s even better on the palate with its fat layers of juicy fruit, fennel and dark cherries. The finish builds in the mouth. 4,476 Views Tasted May 29, 2013 |
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2009
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Concentrated, lush, rich and mouth filling, the wine is packed with perfectly ripe cherries, kirsch, black raspberry, thyme, jam and earth. Sweet, showy, fresh and vibrant, this is a great expression of 100% old vine Grenache. 8,541 Views Tasted Feb 23, 2015 |
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2007
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Powerful, concentrated, plush, ripe and almost dense, there is a wall of dark, red fruit, jam, pepper and earthy notes. The full bodied,opulently, textured finish leaves you with spicy, pure kirsch, black cherry and pepper notes. Before tasting this bottle, I was aware of all the comments regarding secondary fermentations, so I looked for it. There were no issues with this specific bottle. 5,570 Views Tasted May 19, 2017 |
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2007
Domaine la Barroche Tradition (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
It's hard not to like this Chateauneuf du Pape with all its krisch, garrigue, strawberry, pepper and freshy herb scents. Concentrated with fresh, ripe, jammy berries, this is already drinking great today, yet it should age and develop well for several years. 1,623 Views Tasted Nov 26, 2011 |
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2007
Domaine la Barroche Terroir (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
From 95% old vine Grenache and a blend of other Rhone varities, scents of licorice, ripe dark cherries, jam, smoke, pepper and spice get the wine going. On the palate, the wine is rich, full bodied, supple and round. Like many 2007 Southern Rhone wines, it's already offering a lot of pleasure. 4,738 Views Tasted Dec 20, 2011 |
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2006
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Full bodied, powerful, slightly masculine in style. the wine is on the structured, classic side. Still, there is lots to like here, with its blast of juicy, sweet, kirsch and garrigue. A few more years could help soften the tannins, making this even more fun to drink. 6,226 Views Tasted Aug 24, 2017 |
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2005
Domaine la Barroche Cuvée Pure (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Served in magnum, this is still young. Dark in color, there is so much concentrated, ripe, lush, juicy, dark red fruit, it almost stains your teeth and gums. There is a true purity to the fruit. The tannins are strong, but they are, with good grip. The sensation of saline and oyster shell comes through with ease. Luscious in texture, this is a beautiful expression of full-bodied Old Vine Grenache Chateauneuf du Pape, that at least in a magnum needs at least another 5 years, 4,347 Views Tasted Mar 10, 2019WOW! Luscious, opulent, hedonistic and then some; the wine is concentrated with waves of rich, ripe, sweet, pure, old vine Grenache giving you a beautiful purity of fruit, with sensuous textures and an intensity of flavor that really stays on your palate and senses. 5,737 Views Tasted Jan 9, 2017 |
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2003
Domaine la Barroche (Châteauneuf-du-Pape)
Fully mature, the wine is soft, round and almost lush in texture. Medium/full bodied, with loads of olives, black cherry, pepper and jam, this is not a wine for further aging. Produced from a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre and 25% Syrah, this was the debut vintage for the young Julien Barrot. 3,470 Views Tasted Aug 27, 2017 |
