Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine la Crau des Papes Reviews

The full-bodied 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine la Crau des Papes is a fine effort from  this widely distributed négociant. Garrigue, tea and floral notes accent raspberry and cherry fruit in this silky-textured wine, which remains lively and fresh through the long finish.

Lastly, the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape La Crau des Papes is even better, with ample strawberry, garrigue, black raspberry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, beautifully textured and with sweet tannin, it’s well worth checking out.

A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the balance Mourvèdre, all from the la Crau lieu-dit, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Crau des Papes offers a more nuanced, layered style than the classic cuvée. Strawberries, leafy green herb, orange blossom and garrigue notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, silky red that has fine tannin and a great finish. It’s going to drink nicely through 2025.

Medium bodied and silky in texture, this is an unusually graceful and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Baked cherries and raspberries on the nose give way to a mix of red and black fruits on the palate, then finish fine, dry and savory.