Mordoree Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois 2011

Mordoree, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Reine des Bois 2011 is made from 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 2.5% Vaccarese, 2.5% Counoise.

60 year-old vines
Aged in 50% oak barrels.
Deep ruby red color, red fruits aromas leading to leather, black truffles and coffee notes. Fat and concentrated on the palate, with liquorice and dark fruit flavors.
Pairs well with game and red meats, cheeses.

Review:

A gorgeous effort that oozes charm and finesse (which is rare for this cuvee as it is normally backward and structured on release), the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois (85% Grenache and the balance Mourvedre and Syrah) is loaded with darker Grenache aromas and flavors of black raspberries, toast, licorice, subtle flowers and spice. Up-front, approachable and showing the forward nature of the vintage, it has full-bodied richness, fantastic purity and enough ripe tannin to allow it to evolve gracefully for 10-12 years. It opens up nicely in the glass and over the evening, and should be given another year or two in the cellar. It’s a beautiful wine. Drink 2015-2023.Wine Advocate #209 93 Points

The Mordoree Estate
This is arguably the top estate in our Portfolio. Domaine de la Mordoree (woodcock), located in the town of Tavel, in the Southern Rhone Valley, is the most consistent producer of top quality wine in my entire selection. In 1986, the brothers Christophe and Fabrice Delorme decided to dedicate themselves to their passion for wine. They started their own estate with the objective to produce the best wines in each appellation while preserving the environment

The Mordoree Vineyard 
The vineyard consists of 55 hectares (135 acres), on 38 different parcels, which provide with a rich, wide range of soils and climates. The soil is a mix of clay, chalk and sand with pebble stones. The improvements at the Domaine have been incredible: new pneumatic presses, new stainless steel vats, new destemmer, new vinification and aging plant, and aging in oak barrels for the top wines. All the grapes are raised by culture raisonnée which is very close to organic viticulture (intervention in the vineyard only when necessary).  The yield is reduced in the vineyard by ébourgeonnage (de budding in spring) and vendanges vertes in summer (green harvesting).  Oak aging for the top wines in special barrels like “jupille” for 10 months.  No expense is spared at this Domaine to achieve quality.