Tasting Notes
The story
I have been looking for a Châteauneuf du Pape for some time but the problem is some of it is very expensive and some of it not really very good at all. This Châteauneuf du Pape however is good value, produced from the traditional trio of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (although many more grapes are permitted).
Domaine de la Côte de l'Ange has been in the Mestre / Gasparri family for several generations and is now run by Corinne and Yannick with their son, Jules. They have a number of different vineyards many of which have old vines, the oldest being 80 year old Grenache and Mourvèdre vines.
The wine
This is classic Châteauneuf du Pape red wine with warm ripe fruits - raspberries, cherries, blackberries & plums - and light notes of pepper, the herbs of the local 'garrigue', liquorice root and black tea (which balance - in a good way - with the lovely fruits). Grenache (70%) brings the rich fruit and structure, Syrah (15%) elegance and perfume and Mourvèdre (15%) savoury notes, colour and complexity.
The wine is more medium than some full-bodied CNdPs and will develop further; it opens up whilst in the glass displaying complexity and elegance. I really love the texture of this wine; it fills the mouth with a silkiness rather than being creamy and at the same time the wine's finish is deliciously mouth-watering.
Food Pairing
Drink with chicken, turkey, red meats (grilled, roasted or barbecued) especially lamb, game etc. It is the perfect red wine for Christmas dinner
Awards
93 points RobertParker.com Oct 2017
"Another fine effort in this very good vintage is Domaine de la Côte de l'Ange's 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape. A traditional blend of 70% Grenache, with the balance split between Syrah and Mourvèdre, it spent time in both wooden foudres and cuves béton (concrete vats). Ample spice combines with richly tannic, dark, plummy fruit in this handsome, full-bodied wine."
93 Points Falstaff Mar 2018
Translated "...Red berry confit with fresh herbs, spices, some vanilla. Juicy, elegant, ripe cherries, fine tannins, freshly structured, plums on the finish, mineral notes, delicate nougat on the finish."
90 Points Jeb Dunnock Oct 2017
"An estate that doesn't get the credit it deserves, the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape... sports a medium ruby color to go with finesse-driven notes of ripe raspberries, garrigue, peppery herbs and spice. With medium-bodied richness, sweet tannin and an endearing, balanced style, drink it over the coming decade."
