Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf du Pape 2017

Cellar for up to 11 years. Decant for one hour before serving.

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret ranks amongst Châteauneuf du Pape’s largest and most successful wineries thanks to some 93 acres of prime vineyards spread across the appellation. This diversity of plots helps to create especially complex and multi-layered Chateauneuf du Pape wines thanks to the broad range of soil types, microclimates and different vine ages. The unusual name of the estate is the legacy of an 18th century hospice run by the Lazarist monks which have been owned by the Quiot family for generations.

Their powerful red Chateauneuf du Pape is crafted from 13 indigenous varieties as is common for the region, including Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Carignan. The vines used have an average age of 37 years which ensures high quality and intensely-flavoured fruit. To add additional complexity and polish the young wine is aged in large oak foudres and vats for 18 months.

Boysenberry, blackberry and ripe plum characterise the nose, while on the palate there are hints of dried herbs, dark chocolate and subtle spice as well as the luscious dark berry flavours. The first sip reveals a generous full body, firm tannins, smooth texture and long, balanced finish. The powerful structure and flavour profile will help this wine age gracefully in the cellar, although it can also be enjoyed now with hearty beef stews, game or prime cuts of red meat.