2020 Crous St Martin 'Hommage a l'an 1879' Chateauneuf-du-Pape

One of the most recognizable French saints, Saint Martin was known for sharing. In 1879, local monks erected the saint’s cross (in the provincial language, Crous means cross), as a landmark to indicate the road to Châteauneuf. 1879 was an iconic year for French wine.

Crous St. Martin reveres this history surrounding its winery; it’s obvious from its name and the name of this wine. The Crous St Martin Chateauneuf-du-Pape Hommage a l'an 1879 expresses both French history and the prized regional terroir, a terroir that’s prized for the Grenache-based blends that grow in its soils composed of river stones made of quartzite mixed with brown clay. Those stones absorb the sun’s heat during the day and give it back off during the night, giving Crous St. Martin wines depth and concentration.

The winery is a collaboration between Rhone expert Harry Bosmans and winemaker Eric Bonnet of Domaine Bastide Saint Dominique. Eric spent his early winemaking years up North in Burgundy, and that influence still shows in the delicate balance he is able to achieve between power and detail in his wines, including this classic GSM blend, a blend that’s the backbone of most Chateauneuf wines.

Grenache is joined by Syrah and Mourvedre in this blend, and the winery takes great pains to ensure each variety is harvested at the optimal time.The harvest starts with Syrah, followed by Grenache, and finishes with Mourvèdre which needs more time to mature. The result is an elegant, silky wine full of blue and black fruits, spice, and polished tannins. A quintessential Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and one of the best value CdPs we’ve seen in a long time. Share this wine with a friend who appreciates a fantastic Grenache blend from the region that does it best. 

2020 was a great year for CDP. It was awarded 94 points by Vinous Media who said it was "characterized by a solid structure, aromatic complexity and a remarkable sense of harmony." 

Aging: 80% steel vat (Grenache), 20% 2 to 5 years in 228-liter oak casks (Syrah-Mourvèdre) raised 15 months, unfined, unfiltered. 

80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. Ruby colored with aromas of cherry, mulberry, plum, and spices. The palate is full of blackcurrant, spice, and white pepper. Tannins are polished and silky. Round and powerful with a long finish.

Soft, sweet and fresh, with black raspberries, underbrush, herbs and spice on nose, palate and in the fresh, fruit-packed, peppery, chocolate-tinted finish. The wine blends 80% Grenache with 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. Drink from 2022-2030. ~91 Wine Cellar Insider 

Spice, peppery herbs, earth, and leather notes as well as ample darker berry fruits emerge from the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Hommage À L'An 1879, a juicy, medium to full-bodied, solid-looking barrel sample. It's going to show nicely right out of the gate yet should evolve nicely on its balance and overall freshness. ~91 Jeb Dunnuck

Strong ruby ​​garnet, violet reflections, wider edge brightening. Delicate liquorice and black cherries, tobacco spice, a hint of nougat. Medium complexity, red cherries, sweet plums, round tannins, fruity-mineral, easy to drink, uncomplicated style. ~90 Falstaff

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