I last saw Julien at the tasting this past March during the Decouvertes du Rhone. Once again I was blown away by his current vintage of PURE (having tasted the 2004 two years prior). We spoke for a few minutes and I actually asked him to marry me right in front of his mother (thinking I could only drink one wine for the rest of my life it could be the PURE for sure)! We recently put this on the list and I will be happy for anyone who orders it! (Though save some for me.)Good words: Christian
and Julien Barrot’s Domaine La Barroche burst on the wine scene with very good 2004s, and sensational 2005s, especially the out-of-this-world 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure. The Pure cuvee is made from 100% old vine Grenache planted in sandy soils in Pointu and Grand Pierre, not far from the sandy soils of Rayas. It is aged totally in old wood foudres. Robert ParkerThis is indeed 100% old vine Grenache, which is uncommon for a Chateauneuf du Pape but is allowable. The wine is elegantly structured with multiple layers of fruit, spice, and classic earthiness of CDP. Intense, jammy kirsch liqueur and raspberry characteristics are followed by a voluptuous wine with supple tannin, and, as the name suggests, a “pure” style.
This is a stunningly rich, opulent Chateauneuf to drink during its first 12-15 years of life. With over 30 acres of vines in Chateauneuf du Pape, this relatively new estate, run by Christian and Julien Barrot, has served notice that they are intent on making high quality wines. The Pure has been compared to being as close to a great vintage of Rayas as one will.
Body: medium
Color: garnet red
Aromas: opulent and rich aromas of boysenberry, ganache, and blueberry, with a floral backbone
From
their website: In 2002 the son of Christian, Julien joined his father and wanted to give a broader scale at the domain. He had then completed studies in winemaking and business. He wants to do something more than just sell the wines to a negociant and is a typical representative for the young well educated generation in Chateauneuf du Pape full of self-confidence and devoted to go his own way, well aware of the traditions you have to follow and thankful to his forefathers who left him fields with healthy vines. It will be interesting to follow what he can achieve with his will to work hard and his drive to do something new.The domain has 12,5 hectares in Chateauneuf du Pape. The average age is 60 years old, but 1/3 of the vines are more than 100-year-old Grenache. This is the case for the 1,6 hectare vineyard at Grand Pierre. This parcel is free of pebbles and with sandy red soils located at the slopes. At Palestor is 2,3 hectares with 100-year-old Grenache. There are also parcels with young vines and 10 percent of the belonging is not yet in production because of the young vines.
More Good Words: Dark, with an ample core of black cherry, raspberry and red plum fruit, layered with spice and toast notes. The finish shows nice pure fruit and minerality. Wine Spectator
Eat with: duck confit, organic escarole, rice beans, applewood bacon, roasted garlic purée & herbed olive oil
Website: http://domainelabarroche.net/pure.html
