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Château de Nalys

Chateauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin 2016

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

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The realization of the Guigal family’s dream of Châteauneuf-du-Pape: three extraordinary vineyards coming together in an intensely expressive, utterly complete wine. The Grand Vin defines the estate style with a precision of fruit, spice and minerality and notably, a beautifully composed structure that unfolds and builds (and builds).

As with all the Nalys wines, the Grand Vin is produced from all three vineyards, but notably 50% of the blend comes from La Crau, which lends the intense structure. The wine is primarily intense old vine Grenache, with a large portion of Syrah, and then additions of several other varieties, including most of the estate’s Mourvedre.

Vineyard

The composition is 27% from the Nalys vineyard, 50% from La Crau, and 23% from Bois Senechal, from vines averaging 45 years of age, with the typically low yields of Châteauneuf-du-Pape of 35 hl/ha. The grape varietal composition is 59% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 3% Counoise, and 1% Vacarese. All 13 permitted Châteaneuf grapes are planted on all 3 vineyard plots at Nalys.

Vineyard: Nalys

Surrounding the estate, the “Nalys” vineyard has very fine soils that create supple wines that are extremely silky and retain freshness. These are some of the oldest soils in Châteauneuf, underlying many of the other soil compositions in the appellation, made up of red sandstone, a sandy clay soil, and covered limestone with some soft sandstone at the vineyard edges. This plot is directly adjoining – over the hill – from Rayas, the great example of finesse in Châteaneuf. Official lieu-dit in land registries is “Grande Pierre”.

Vineyard: La Crau

“La Crau” is arguably the single greatest vineyard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Nalys has 38 acres located as a single center-north block. It is famous specifically for structured, complex and intensely expressive wines. Naly’s holdings are the highest elevation of the Crau plateau and bordering forest they own, providing slightly cooler temperatures and ideal drainage – the sweet spot. The soils are made up of the famous galets: large round pebbles derived from the Rhône river. Direct neighbors are Henri Bonneau, La Janasse (used for their Vieilles Vignes), and other leading properties.

Vineyard: Bois Senechal

Adjoining La Crau, Nalys is the sole owner of the top of the plateau. Like La Crau, containing galets, though slightly smaller stones, and sandier soil composition; the wines are slightly less structured, more evenly composed. The site of their best Mourvedre plot, Bois Senechal also has fairly unique terraced vines in rows sloping back to the winery. Neighbors are further below the plateau, Mont Olivet, Domaine de la Solitude. Official lieu-dit is “Bois Seneseau”.

Winemaking

Manual harvesting and sorting was followed by vinification in conical wooden vats, with fermentation lasting around 4 weeks. The wine was then aged for 18 months, of which 30% was in wood (barrels and foudres) and 70% in concrete.

Tasting Note

Deep, dark and dense red color. An intense nose of red and black berries and spice. A beautiful composition, with silky tannins, power and elegance. Expressive, noble and complete. Pair with red meats either grilled or cooked in sauces, game birds, or aged cheeses.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Counoise, Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Vacarese

Appellation

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Farming

Vineyards are farmed organically, awaiting certification.

Alcohol

14.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$105

Reviews

17.5

"Superb red fruit, really showcasing the purity of Grenache"

Jancis Robinson - August 7, 2018 "Superb red fruit, really showcasing the purity of Grenache. Clay-textured tannins. Great perfume, with a scent a bit like fennel. There’s a real broad scope of flavour here, although it will need time to express itself fully."

95

"Full-bodied and velvety"

Wine Advocate - October 31, 2018 “Destined to become Nalys’s new flagship (unless the white version steals the show), the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Vin is a blend of 59% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 3% Counoise and 1% Vaccarèse. It’s full-bodied and velvety, offering hints of vanilla and sandalwood, but there also are layers of dark cherry fruit. Subtle notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice add interest to the long, silky finish. It’s an auspicious debut for the Guigal team.”

93

"Fleshy and dense"

Wine Spectator - February 20, 2019 "This is a fleshy and dense offering, with layers of warm cassis, plum sauce and cherry preserve flavors seamlessly entwined, while warm fruitcake and melted red licorice notes fill in through the finish. There's a whiff of smoky tea at the very end, while the fruit plays out."

93

"Intense and fresh"

James Suckling - October 30, 2019 "Very rich, multilayered Châteauneuf with ripe red-plum and dark-berry aromas. The palate has such intense and fresh, juicy-fruit drive. Long and focused finish."

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