2018 Maison la Berthaude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vignes Centenaires Reserve

Vineyards have existed on the Roger Perrin property between Orange and Châteauneuf since the beginning of the 1900s. However, the Domaine Roger Perrin was founded in 1969 when Roger Perrin took it over after his father-in-law's retirement. Roger died unexpectedly during the harvest in 1986, and his son Luc took over the Domaine. 

Xavier Rolin, a diligent and young vintner, represents the fifth generation of winemakers in his family. He is a cousin of the renowned Perrin family, who owns Chateau Beaucastel in Courthezon. Xavier's family Domaine is situated in Chateauneuf du Pape, near the Orange border, specifically in the Berthaude district, giving rise to the name Maison la Berthaude. The Domaine boasts a total of 100 acres of vineyards, comprising 38 acres in Chateauneuf du Pape, 50 acres in Cotes du Rhone & Villages, and over 10 acres designated as IGP. Approximately 20% of their production is dedicated to white wine. 

The Domaine's vineyards encompass an impressive 72 individual parcels, each reflecting its unique "terroir." Despite some vines being over a century old, the average vine age is around 60 years, with 85% of them surpassing 22 years. In Chateauneuf, the vines grow in two distinct soil types. One features clay and limestone subsoil covered by the famous Galet roules (large rounded riverbed stones), while the other contains more sand, resulting in wines with elevated aromatics and finesse.

La Berthaude's top-tier Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vignes Centenaires derives from rare 100+-year-old vines, emphasizing the importance of terroir. Tasting this wine is like a journey back in time; these vines were planted in 1903 and 1906. The blend consists of 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre-Syrah (co-fermented), aged entirely in 228L barrels.

This wine is a true powerhouse, boasting a pronounced nose of plums, pepper, anise, smoked herbs, and toasty oak. The palate is incredibly dense, featuring an abundance of dark fruit compote, grilled wild game, and underbrush flavors that seem never-ending. These flavors are remarkably intense. If other well-known Chateauneuf-du-Pape wineries like Beaucastel, Clos des Papes, and Pegau possessed 100+-year-old vines of this caliber, the price would be three times as high. This wine has the potential to reward patient collectors for over 20 years.

Rhône is a Valley where magic happens; where winemaking has been woven into the fabric of the land for centuries. Originally established by the Greeks in the 5th century B.C., these vineyards hold a rich heritage. The Romans, recognizing the region's potential, nurtured the vineyards over many centuries, utilizing the Rhone River as a vital trade route for their prized wines. However, the region faced adversity during the collapse of the Roman Empire, halting its commercial growth. But like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the Rhône Valley's wines experienced a renaissance in the 14th century, courtesy of the Papacy. The ecclesiastical influence revived economic growth and set the stage for the region's viticultural prominence.

Today, the wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape in Rhone, are recognized for their unique character and exceptional quality, with Robert Parker calling it "one of the world's most prestigious appellations.” 

 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre-Syrah (co-fermented). It shows ripe cassis, black stone fruits, and kirsch that converge with notes of smoke, leather, and forest floor to give this wine penetrating depth and complexity.

Saturated ruby-red. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red and dark berry, garrigue, potpourri, and incense qualities and a smoky mineral top note. Stains the palate with concentrated Chambord, cherry cola, candied lavender, and fruitcake flavors that become more lively as the wine stretches out. There's impressive energy here, especially given the wine's heft. Polished tannins lend shape to an impressively tenacious finish that echoes the floral and Chambord notes. ~94 Vinous Media

Subtle cedar shavings and more assertive clove notes accent the ripe cherries on the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Vignes Centenaires. There's more substance here than in the Vieilles Vignes bottling, but it's partially concealed by the oak. This medium to full-bodied, supple wine would be easy to drink if not for the astringent wood tannins on the finish. ~91 Robert Parker

Spicy and fresh with nuances of mint, pepper, earth, spice, smoke and espresso, the fruit displays an elegance and purity on the nose and palate. The wine is medium-bodied, round, forward and ready to go. ~91 The Wine Cellar Insider 

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