Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines Grand Veneur (Domaine) 2005

Les Origines is a red Châteauneuf-du-Pape comprising Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah grapes planted on Quaternary terraces, rich in red clays and pudding stones. This organically certified domain deems viticulture to be every bit as important as vinification. The grapes are harvested by hand, and the long vatting (between 18 and 21 days) is interspersed with regular punching down. Élevage lasts 16 months, half in concrete vats and half in barrels. This wine for keeping needs to be decanted into a carafe at least an hour before serving, to give it time to reveal the complexity of its aromas and flavours. The nose reveals a complex, intense bouquet of ripe fruit (kirsch, blackberry), spices, toasted coffee and vanilla. The palate opens into notes of ripe fruit and spices surrounding concentrated, silky tannins. It has a long finish, drifting towards iodised, liquorice and even peppery sensations.