Domaine des Senechaux Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge 2016

Grenache Noir

Châteauneuf ’s life blood. Warm, strong and sweet. Flavours of blackcurrant and blackberry, cherry, red plum and strawberry. Aromatic black pepper, lavender, thyme and liquorice.

Syrah

A deep, blackening purple. Perfumed, seductive and brooding. Jam-like, rich, chewy, berry fruits. Notes of tar, smoke, bacon, chocolate and sometimes violets.

Mourvèdre

Astringent, gamy, meaty and spicy. Flavours of blackberry, clove, tobacco and leather.

47% grenache noir, 32% syrah, 19% mourvèdre, 2% cinsault-vaccarèse

Grenache may dominate, but Syrah and Mourvèdre deliver balance and structure. Where Grenache is at its best when ripe, these two balance out its high alcohol levels. Where Grenache has a density of tannins that gives a round, full feel, these two give structure. Syrah also lends colour and body, as Mourvèdre lends class and a liveliness that is quite interesting to the final bottle.

Nose

Intense and expressive with youthful aromas dominated by fresh fruit (raspberry and cherry), delicately spiced and enhanced by an oaky note.

Palate

Ample, fresh and fruity with ripe blackcurrant, raspberry and jammy sour cherry. Well-balanced with spicy flavours (liquorice and pepper). Complex, with soft resin notes and a touch of oak.

Finish

Fine tannins for a smooth, very harmonious texture.