Domaine des Sénéchaux : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011

Characteristics and tasting advice for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 from Domaine des Sénéchaux

Tasting

Color
The brilliant color displays a garnet with carmine reflections.

Nose
The expressive nose mixes red and black fruits, licorice and subtle roasted touches.

Palate
In the mouth, the broad and refined attack reveals a silky texture, combining finesse and roundness. The finish, long and fresh, is enhanced by delicate woody and toasted notes.

A lively and powerful red wine from the Rhône Valley

The property

With origins dating back to the 14th century, the Domaine des Sénéchaux is recognized as one of the oldest vineyards of Castro Novo, the land of the Pope's wines. An essential reference among the great wines of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the estate was acquired in 2006 by the Cazes family, also owners of the prestigious Château Lynch-Bages, Grand Cru Classé de Pauillac.

The vineyard

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape wine comes from a mosaic of terroirs, composed according to the plots of rolled pebbles, red sandstone, safre or sand.

The vintage

A mild start to winter favored rapid bud break, followed by a spring conducive to successful flowering and vigorous vine growth. The high fruit load required green harvesting to optimize maturity. Despite pressure from mildew and botrytis in late summer, the vine remained healthy thanks to rigorous management. The harvest, which began on September 14 with the syrah and ended on the 30th with the mourvèdre, benefited from careful sorting, guaranteeing a high-quality vintage.

Vinification and aging

Maceration from 24 to 28 days. Aging from 10 to 12 months in foudre (55%), in barrels of one wine (25%) and in vats (20%).

Blend

The Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2011 from Domaine des Sénéchaux is a blend of grenache (62%), syrah (20%), mourvèdre (17%) and vaccarèse-cinsault (1%).