Domaine St Patrice - Old Vines - Châteauneuf du Pape 2020
Domaine Saint Patrice stands out as one of the most inspiring signatures of Châteauneuf du Pape, heir to an ancient know-how and a particularly privileged terroir in the heart of the village. Between the Clos Saint Patrice, a historic monopoly, and a mosaic of prestigious named plots, the estate cultivates old vines of Grenache and Mourvèdre from massal selections, on soils mixing sands, limestone, and rolled pebbles. This geological diversity, worked with reasoned and artisanal viticulture, produces wines of great finesse, always marked by balance, depth, and a minerality characteristic of the house. The Vieilles Vignes cuvée is conceived as a haute couture counterpart to the Clos, a Châteauneuf du Pape where the ripeness of the grapes and the precision of the extractions serve elegance more than a display of power. In 2020, the estate delivers an exceptional wine that combines the generosity of the vintage with freshness of style.
Domaine Saint Patrice Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf du Pape 2020 is born from old vines of black Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Syrah spread over several named plots, a blend of four complementary parcels that enrich the wine's complexity. The harvest is done by hand with strict sorting, then a significant portion of whole clusters is kept, between thirty and sixty percent depending on the grape varieties, to bring energy, spice, and length. Fermentation in concrete vats lasts nearly five weeks, in a spirit of infusion rather than harsh extraction, with gentle pump-overs that preserve the silkiness of the material. Aging continues in vats and large containers, without pronounced oak influence, to let the terroir and the vintage's signature express themselves clearly. The naturally high alcohol level, around sixteen percent, is perfectly balanced by a fresh framework and a melted tannic structure, giving the wine a profile that is generous, serious, and remarkably harmonious.
On the palate, Châteauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes 2020 shows a deep garnet robe with purple highlights, dense and luminous. The nose seduces with an expressive bouquet of ripe cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, mixed with notes of crushed stone, garrigue, rose, licorice, and fine herbal and spicy nuances. On the palate, the attack is ample and silky, with obvious concentration but supported by freshness that avoids any heaviness; red and black fruit unfolds on a velvety texture, supported by fine and perfectly polished tannins. The power of the vintage combines with great elegance, with a mid-palate rich in ripe black fruits, spices, pepper, and a discreet echo of cocoa and leather. The finish is long, supple, and persistent, marked by garrigue, licorice, and a saline touch that characterizes the great terroirs of Châteauneuf du Pape. At the table, this cuvée pairs ideally with confit lamb shoulder, herb-roasted leg of lamb, Provençal stew, roasted pigeon, game birds, or a platter of aged cheeses.
Grape varieties: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah
