Chateauneuf du Pape La Combe des Fous 2017

Intro: This 2017 vintage of La Combe des Fous from Clos Saint Jean is a refined yet powerful expression of the Châteauneuf du Pape terroir. With old vine Grenache as its core, blended with Syrah, Cinsault and Vaccarèse, it manifests rich dark fruit, herbs of the garrigue, pepper and mineral undertones. The cuvée draws from the “crazy” terroir of the Combe des Fous (so named because the site was once thought too rocky to plant) and offers both intensity and elegance. The cuvée’s name “La Combe des Fous” (“the combe of fools”) refers to the historical belief that no vine could successfully be planted on that extremely stony slope. The “fools” were those who dared to plant there, including the estate’s great grandfather in 1905.

Region: Rhône Valley || Winery: Clos Saint Jean

Grapes: 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, and 10% Vaccarèse

Aging: Aged for approximately 12 months; Grenache in concrete vats, Syrah and Mourvèdre in 1-2 year old French oak barrels

ABV: 16% || Decant: 30–60 minutes || Serving Temp: 16-18°C

Pairing: Roast duck breast with berry or plum jus; venison or other game in a wild mushroom and herb sauce

Tasting Notes: The 2017 Châteauneuf du Pape La Combe des Fous from Clos Saint Jean shows a deep ruby hue with violet highlights and aromas of black cherry, kirsch, violet, garrigue herbs, licorice, and smoke. Full bodied and velvety on the palate, it layers ripe red fruit, spice, and minerality, finishing long and savory with firm tannins and fresh acidity