Chateau Mont-Thabor Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

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Chateau Mont-Thabor Châteauneuf-du-Pape is seriously sick juice. Chateau Mont Thabor’s ethos across the range is essential to let the grapes do the talking. It’s actually a breath of fresh air in the current state of the industry with the amount of mass-produced wine on one hand and low intervention wines on the other. This ethos is a true representation of what being a Vigneron is all about. Making enough to share but not too much that it dilutes the quality or the message.

Cheateau Mont Thabor was founded in 1880 and has been family run ever since, a remarkable achievement. The name Mont Thabor comes from one of the mountains in Galilee, Israel and is steeped in history, often revolving around wars and religious events. During its history Chateau Mont Thabor has seen some interesting times, becoming at one point a coaching inn. Its owner at the time was buried in a tomb close to the vineyards holding the heart of his mistress. Crazy stuff.

Daniel the father and Fanny the daughter run the Chateau. Producing a Cotes du Rhone and A Chateauneuf du Pape, The philosophy is simple, the grapes are master of the game. Deep care is taken with managing or caring for these vines. Growing Grenache, Syrah, Mouvedre, Cinsault and Counoise.

A blend of 80% Grenache off 80 year old vines, 15% Syrah and 5% between Mourvedre and Cinsault. Fermented in concrete with regulated temperatures. Whole bunch fermented except for the Syrah which is destemmed. 12 months ageing in old oak barrels, adding texture rather than flavour. The nose if floral and elegant with the both fresh and dried forest fruits. Juicy but smooth tannin with lots of ripe fruit throughout. Complex scented length, lots of layers and texture.

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