Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape Cuvee Chante Le Merle 2015

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The old vine cuvée is the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes and is a non-destemmed blend of 90% Grenache and 5% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Aged in foudre and demi-muids, it offers textbook notes of black raspberries, kirsch, garrigue, pepper and leafy herbs, as well as full-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannin and a great finish. I’ve found this cuvée to be a touch rustic in the past, but recent vintages show another level of purity, elegance and finesse.
  Range: 93-95
• 95 Jeb Dunnuck
  I love the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes, and it's the most balanced and complete of this estate's 2015s. Garrigue, kirsch, spice, dried earth and garrigue nuances all flow to a full-bodied, supple, beautifully textured red that has classic aromas and flavors, polished, elegant tannin and a great finish. It's approachable today, yet will be even better with short-term cellaring and drink well for a decade or more. The 2015 is 86% Grenache and 7% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, from 80-90-year-old vines, fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged in foudre (60%), demi-muids (30%) and concrete tanks (10%).
• 94 Wine Spectator
  Lush and lengthy, with gorgeous raspberry, boysenberry and black cherry pate de fruit notes streaming through, while light anise, floral and incense accents add lift and range. The silky but persistent structure lets everything hang wonderfully through the finish, showing a lingering echo of shiso leaf for freshness. Best from 2019 through 2035.
• 94 James Suckling
  Dried red berry and slightly leafy notes with an array of gently spicy, potpourri-like aromas. The palate has a succulent, juicy and noble tannins texture, and salty appeal. Great build and length. Elegance with power. Drink from 2020.