Clos La Roquete new luxury cuvee, the 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape l’Accent de Roquete, is fashioned from 90% old vine Grenache grown in Les Pialons (situated high on the plateau) and 10% Mourvedre from the sandy soils of Pignan. Sadly, there are only 400 cases of this sensational 2006. Deep ruby to the rim, with vibrant black raspberry and sweet black cherry scents interwoven with notions of incense, lavender, spice box, and licorice. Full-bodied with fabulously intense, succulent fruit, a layered texture, and a heady finish, it should drink easily for 15 or more years.
Formerly Domaine La Roquete (and mis-spelled last year as Roquette), the Brunier family has changed the name to Clos La Roquete as they recognize this is a true “clos” (a totally walled vineyard). As I have indicated in several recent Chateauneuf du Pape reports, this is one of the estates for which the Bruniers have pushed the envelope of quality higher and higher in each new vintage. This is the finest group of wines they have yet produced, and readers should take serious note.
(WA 30th Oct 2008)
