Châteauneuf du Pape Kristial

Producer Patrick Lesec Selections (Southern Rhône) Region Southern Rhône, France Encepagement 95% Grenache, vines 45 years old 5% Syrah, vines 10 years old 100% Christia Elevage 75% aged in barrels 2-4 years old, 25% aged in foudre. Not fined or filtered. Description This Grenache-based Chateauneuf is sweet, thick and rich with layers of black raspberry and black cherry fruit. Fine, ripe chocolatey tannins and a long, complex finish complete the package. The 2001 is denser and richer than the 2000, and will take a bit more time to reach its peak. Reviews for 2000 Vintage From the Wine Advocate, #145 (Feb 2003): "Points: 92-94. The third cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape is Kristial. All of this offering emerges from the northeastern lieux-dit called Cristia, hence the name. The 2000 is a surprisingly elegant, deep purple-colored Chateauneuf that could pass for an intense Burgundy. The most feminine of Lesec's Chateauneuf du Papes, it offers sweet, Volnay-like plum and black cherry fruit intertwined with flower and mineral characteristics. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and restrained by the standards of these boisterous offerings, it should drink well for 12-15 years. Sadly, there are only 5,000 bottles of the 2000 (95% Grenache aged completely in old wood barrels)." © The Wine Advocate From the International Wine Cellar (Jan/Feb 2003): "Points: 90. Medium ruby. Superripe aromas of redcurrant, raspberry, roasted herbs and baking chocolate. Suave and seamless yet nicely delineated thanks to harmonious acids. Finishes wonderfully smooth and long, with suave tannins and a hint of licorice." © International Wine Cellar Reviews for 2001 Vintage From the Wine Advocate, #145 (Feb 2003): "Points: 94-96. The third cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape is Kristial. All of this offering emerges from the northeastern lieux-dit called Cristia, hence the name. The 2001 is a wine of phenomenal intensity, purity, and precision. It reveals better acidity, depth, and volume than its older sibling, but has lost none of this cuvee's hallmark elegance and feminine qualities. A majestic wine, it is a Chateauneuf du Pape for Burgundy grand cru aficionados. Anticipated maturity: 2007-2020." © The Wine Advocate

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