Domaine de Ferrand - Chateauneuf du Pape 2020

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Young Philippe Bravay, whom Robert Parker in Issue 131 of The Wine Advocate say "is unquestionable one of Chateauneuf du Pape’s up and coming stars" and is now taking over the family domaine. He is extremely dedicated to preserving the unique traditions and special characteristics that Chateauneuf brings to the world. The domaine is tiny, only 5 ½ hectares of which over half is on vines approaching 100 years old, all situated in the lieu-dit Ferrand. He uses organic growing techniques, limits yields strictly (his Cotes du Rhone, even, is less than 2 1/2 tons to the acre yields, and the Chateauneuf du Pape even less) and vinifies traditionally.

The Chateauneuf du Pape is 90% Grenache, the vines ranging in age from 60 to 100 years of age, and the balance the other twelve Chateauneuf varietals. From these he obtains superb natural ripeness, usually in excess of 14%. The vinification is traditional and the aging is for the most part in large oak foudre, but also a portion in barrique, however no new oak.

Domaine de Ferrand Description

All Philippe’s Chateauneuf parcels are at the north edge of the appellation. This Chateauneuf-du-Pape comes from half vines of 45 years old from the La Gardiale and Cabrieres vineyards, and the other half from vines planted in 1904, 1910 and 1920 in the La Guariguette and Les Jaumes vineyards.

Blend: 90% Grenache, 10% Other Varieties

James Suckling: 96 Points

This youthful 2020 Chateauneuf is enormously spicy, the red fruits character coming through more prominently on the generous and precisely contoured palate. Deep fine tannins are married to a delicate licorice and earthy character on the ample palate. Then comes the great wave of stony freshness at the extremely long finish.

Jeb Dunnuck: 95 Points

I continue to love what vigneron Philippe Bravay accomplishes from his estate in the northern part of the appellation, and his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is another finesse-driven, incredibly beautiful expression of this magical region. Based on 85% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, it was partially destemmed and brought up in equal parts stainless steel and concrete tanks. It offers a huge perfume of ripe strawberries and red fruits as well as sappy flowers, garrigue, and Provençal herbs. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, balanced, incredibly seamless Châteauneuf du Pape with no hard edges, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. I’d be a buyer. This will put a smile on your face any time over the coming 10-15 years.

Vinous: 94 Points

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a seductive blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 4% Bourboulenc, 3% Syrah and 3% Cinsaut. Aromas of rose water, wild strawberry, red cherry, raspberry and dried herbs usher this full-bodied, perfumed, rich and refined red. Velvety tannins and fresh acidity define this 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The savory finish goes on for well over a minute.