At almost 10 years old, the 2015 Bosquet des Papes “Chante Le Merle" Vieilles Vignes is in a great place and we were thrilled to get a few cases from our importer. 2015 in the Southern Rhône is a winemaker's dream: A pleasant spring transitioned to a dry summer and a harvest with no rush due to cooler weather, which is perfect for Rhône varieties. The full spectrum of aromatic complexity and classic Châteauneuf flavor profile is now on display after a nice, long slumber in a cool cellar.
Since 1860, this domaine has been handed over from father to son by the Boiron family. For five generations, the philosophy of “Bosquet des Papes” estate is to produce sturdy wines for “laying down”, meaning that they can be kept for many years, thereby respecting the traditions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Today the estate is run by Nicolas Boiron and his wife Jeanne-Claire.
The “Chante Le Merle" cuvée comes from vines that average 80 years old, so this is another gem we have found for you. While I don’t want to use this saying too much, this is a classic “Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove” wine.
A tradtional blend of 90% Grenache, 5% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre. Aged in foudre and demi-muids, it offers textbook notes of black raspberries, kirsch, garrigue, pepper and leafy herbs, as well as full-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannin and a great finish.
