Classification | Cru Classe |
Type | Red |
Brand | Chapelle Saint Theodoric |
Vintage | 2020 |
Country | France |
Region | Rhone |
Grape | Grenache |
Alcohol % | 15% |
Volume | 0,75 |
Condition | Perfect |
Label | Perfect |
Drinkable | 2025-2040 |
Stock | 9 |
Scents of roses, garrigue and blackberries mark the nose of the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape La Guigasse, still aging in demi-muids at the time of my visit. It's one of those special wines that manages to be full-bodied and concentrated, yet also pillowy-soft, nearly ethereal in the mouth. A bit more tannic and stern on the finish than the 2020 Le Grand Pin, it finishes long, with a lingering note of licorice.
Strong crimson colour, subtle ochre reflections, broad brightening on the rim. Delicately nutty-spicy, underlying ripe cherry fruit, tobacco nuances, ripe plums, a touch of goudron and some orange zest. Almost slender on the palate, candied violets, fresh acidity, mineral and animating, red berry finish, shows length and certain ageing potential.
Aged for two years in demi-muids, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse comes in at 15% alcohol. An expressive single varietal Grenache, it bursts from the glass with fragrant aromas of rose petal, raspberry, forest strawberry, dried herbs, mint and a dash of white pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated and framed by plush tannins, it is impeccably well balanced by lively acids before a strikingly complex finish.
The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Guigasse is cut from the same cloth, with a big, spicy bouquet of ripe black cherries, Asian spice, Provençal garrigue, and sappy flowers. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has a great mid-palate, and a seamless texture. It's a big mouthful of classic Southern Rhône goodness that can be drunk today or cellared for 10-15 years. As with the Grand Pin, this is all non-destemmed Grenache that comes from the La Guigasse lieu-dit (also sandy soils) and is brought up all in used demi-muids.