M. CHAPOUTIER Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Croix de Bois' 2014 Bottle ORG/BIO

Description

IN BRIEF
The 2014 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois is an exceptional wine that highlights the heritage of this prestigious appellation. With an intense red hue, it offers a captivating bouquet of black fruits, especially vibrant blackberry jam. The palate reveals an unctuous mouthfeel complemented by warm, rounded tannins, showcasing its generous character. This vintage reflects exceptional terroir quality and has a remarkable aging potential of 30 to 60 years, with some experts suggesting longevity up to 75 years. Crafted in concrete tanks, it undergoes a meticulous vinification process. It has received accolades of 94 points from The Wine Advocate and 92-94 points from Vinous, making it a sumptuous representation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, perfect for hearty dishes and wine enthusiasts alike.

ABOUT THIS WINE
The 2014 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois is a remarkable wine that showcases the heritage and depth of this renowned appellation. With an intense red hue, it immediately captivates the eye, promising a rich tasting experience.

On the nose, the wine offers an enticing bouquet dominated by black fruits, particularly vibrant notes of blackberry jam that evoke warmth and richness. This aromatic complexity sets the stage for the palate, where the wine truly shines. With an unctuous and ample mouthfeel, the 2014 Croix de Bois is wonderfully generous, featuring warm, rounded tannins that add to its inviting character.

This vintage reflects the exceptional quality of its terroir and can be enjoyed now, but its remarkable structure suggests a long aging potential; it is capable of being cellared for 30 to 60 years, with many experts believing it can last up to 75 years, particularly from an esteemed vintage like 2014.

The vinification process at M. Chapoutier involves careful attention to detail. The wine is crafted in concrete tanks, where the grapes undergo destemming before a vatting period lasting around three weeks. This approach is designed to polymerize the tannins, enhancing the wine's texture and overall balance. Only the free-run juice is selected for this blend, ensuring purity and focus in the final product.

Overall, the 2014 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois is a sumptuous representation of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape style, making it an excellent companion for hearty dishes and a true pleasure for any wine enthusiast.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 94 points
Reviewed by: Jeb Dunnuck
Another smoking good 2014 is the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois, which like always, is 100% Grenache that comes from a site on the eastern side of the appellation, near the village of Bédarrides. Completely destemmed and aged 16 months in concrete, it offers the expected forward, fruity style of the cuvée as well as classic notes Bing cherries, blackberries, spring flowers and hints of leather.

VINOUS 92-94 points
Vivid ruby-red. Highly expressive red fruit liqueur, lavender, Asian spice and mineral aromas display impressive clarity and pick up a deeper licorice nuance with air. Sappy, incisive raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show excellent depth, conveying a surprisingly delicate touch and a hint of candied flowers that emerges on the back half. Silky and seamless in texture, finishing with superb finishing lift and persistence, while smooth tannins lend gentle grip. - Josh Raynolds

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ABOUT M. CHAPOUTIER
M. Chapoutier is a prestigious wine producer located in the Rhône Valley of France, renowned for its unwavering commitment to exceptional quality and biodynamic viticulture. Established in the late 19th century, the estate has developed a strong reputation for producing wines that embody the unique terroir of the region. Under the stewardship of Michel Chapoutier, who took over the family business in the 1990s, the winery has garnered international acclaim for both its traditional and innovative approaches to winemaking.

M. Chapoutier is especially renowned for its outstanding Hermitage wines, crafted from Syrah grapes cultivated on steep hillside vineyards. The winery embraces sustainable practices, incorporating biodynamic farming methods that enhance the natural ecosystem and support the health of the vines. This dedication to organic methods has distinguished M. Chapoutier from many other producers and resonates with environmentally-conscious consumers.

The estate offers a diverse range of wines, including red, white, and sweet varieties, often focusing on single varietals that highlight the characteristics of their respective terroirs. Importantly, the winery is celebrated for its exceptional Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côte Rôtie wines, which have received significant accolades and recognition within the wine community.

M. Chapoutier's commitment to excellence is reflected in its numerous awards and high ratings from critics. The label is also famous for its braille-embossed bottles, underscoring the producer's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility. With a rich history and a forward-thinking approach, M. Chapoutier continues to be a leading figure in the wine industry, promising exceptional experiences in every bottle.