In years when Julian Barrot holds some extra Syrah out of his signature bottling, he creates this cuvée, which is a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah. The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee (last made in 2016), starts off a bit tarry-rubbery, but it clears up quickly to deliver blueberry and cherry fruit tinged with hints of peppery spice. It's full-bodied, smooth and supple, finishing lush and easy to drink. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

2009 年的 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee 由 50% 的 Grenache 和 50% 的 Syrah 混釀而成。呈深寶石紅/紫色，酒體豐滿，風(fēng)格現(xiàn)代，散發(fā)著豐富且甘甜的黑醋栗奶酪、黑莓、木炭、花朵和黑色覆盆子的香氣，口感濃稠，是一款令人印象深刻的酒。我想此酒隨著時(shí)間的推移會(huì)更具 Chateauneuf du Pape 的特色。此酒的美好香氣和風(fēng)味可保存 12 至 15 年。

The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Fiancee is the estate’s closest thing to an international stye of Chateauneuf du Pape that Julian Barrot produces. A blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, aged in a combination of tank and one- to two-year-old barrels, this wine is the most tannic and backward, a saturated purple color, with notes of licorice, tar, toast, smoke, and black currants. Full-bodied and still unevolved and youthful, this wine will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for 15-20 years. Julian Barrot would say he has had very little to do with it, and that it is all his magical terroir, which sits just to the east of the great vineyard of Rayas. How long will it last? Certainly 100% Grenache cuvees tend to age faster than those with some Mourvedre or Syrah in the blend, but I would think, assuming anyone of human origin can actually resist this wine, it should evolve for at least 15 or more years. Domaine La Barroche in many ways typifies what has happened in Chateauneuf du Pape over the last decade. Until 2003, the Barrot family (who can trace their origins back to the 1600s in the village) sold all of their wine in bulk to negociants. But then young son Julian was given responsibility and, in a very short period, a succession of brilliant wines has emerged, starting with the 2004 and building on that success with the 2005s, 2006s, and 2007s. This is not a small estate, totaling just under 32 acres, and at present there is the potential for four very different styles of Chateauneuf du Pape to be produced. In 2008 they only produced two cuvees.Importers: The Sorting Table, LLC, Napa, CA; tel. (415) 491-4724