Quoted value
Robert PARKER 96
A magnificent effort, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac boasts huge notes of kirsch, exotic herbs, lavender, cedar, fig, black cherry, black currant, licorice and roasted meats. This flamboyant, rich, full-throttle Chateauneuf du Pape should age well for two decades. It will be interesting to follow this wine’s evolution alongside the brilliant 2009 and 2007 Barbe Racs.
Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar) 91-93
Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Barbe-Rac Vivid ruby. An exotically nose evokes cherry compote,Z
blackberry and smoky Indian spices. Fleshy, sweet and concentrated, with a distinctly spicy quality to it dark berry flavors. Impressively lush and broad on the persistent finish, with suave tannins adding shape.
Stephen Tanzer (International Wine Cellar) 94
Saturated ruby. Black and blue fruits, violet and
incense on the pungent, intensely perfumed nose. Stains the palate with sappy cassis and blackberry flavors, picking up spice and smoke on the back half. Cola and floral pastille nuances come up with air and carry through a strikingly long, gently tannic finish. More powerful than the Croix du Bois, with greater depth but less finesse, relatively speaking.
Wine Spectator - Mai 2011
Le Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac 2010 est un vin étonnamment ample dans la structure, soyeux et suave, mais avec un côté cassis et cerise noire très denses. La structure est fine et souple mais très persistante. Il arbore la densité du 2007, mais avec la fraîcheur du 2001 et une structure au potentiel clairement classique.
Wine Spectator - Mai 2011
Le Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac 2009 est aussi 100% Grenache et vinifié en cuve béton à partir de parcelles situées dans le sud-ouest de l'appellation. Le vin est incroyablement riche, avec des notes de framboises fraîchement écrasées, une bouche veloutée et une finale longue et séduisante d'encens et d'épices.
Wine Advocate # 173 Oct 2007
91-94. The 2006 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac boasts classic kirsch liqueur, licorice, and loamy soil notes intermixed with some resiny pine forest nuances. The wine is full-bodied, soft for this cuvee, with low acidity and ripe tannin. Again, it is quite forward, very sensual, and will be delicious when released next year and age nicely for 15 or more years.
The great terroiriste and biodynamic farmer of the northern Rhone, Michel Chapoutier, continues to display impressive talent for turning out strong wines from the southern Rhone even though his undeniably strengths are his single-vineyard wines from the north.
Wine Advocate # 173 Octobre 2007
96. The blockbuster 2005 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac shows classic garrigue notes intermixed with ground pepper, lavender, and sweet black currant and black cherry notes with hints of raspberry and olive. The wine is full-bodied has a boatload of tannin, fabulous concentration, and a finish of close to 50 seconds. This is a brilliant Barbe Rac that should be at its best between 2010 and 2025.
Wine Advocate #163 (Feb 2006)
93-95 / 100
"The 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac appears to be as good as the 2003, perhaps superior. Tipping the scales at 16% natural alcohol, it exhibits a dark plum/ruby/purple color, a pure, sweet nose of kirsch liqueur, resiny spice box, garrigue, and licorice, a fabulous texture, decent acidity, and a full-bodied, layered, rich, persistent palate." Robert Parker
Wine Advocate #156 (Dec 2004)
The stunning 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac comes from a 100-year old vineyard planted on the Galets Roules in the appellation’s western sector. This powerful (16.2% alcohol) effort offers a dark plum/ruby color along with rich, sumptuous aromas of figs, kirsch liqueur, raspberries, and gamy meaty scents. Enormous body, high glycerin, and abundant fire power result in a fat, opulent, nearly over-loaded Chateauneuf du Pape that should drink well for 10-15 years. This wine, aged in demi-muids and foudre, will be bottled with no fining or filtration.
Wine Advocate #151 (Feb 2004)
The profound 2001 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac boasts a deep ruby/purple color as well as a nose of garrigue, licorice, kirsch liqueur, cassis, and new saddle leather. This superbly concentrated, full-bodied, multidimensional wine coats the palate with glycerin and sweet fruit. There is not a hard edge to be found, but wow, what intensity and length (the finish lasts for close to one minute). The 2001 should turn out to be a legendary effort capable of lasting 15-20 years.
Note : 94-96 / 100
Wine Advocate #145 (Feb 2003)
There are approximately 500 cases of this wine. It is a large-scaled Chateauneuf du Pape that represents the antithesis of La Bernardine. This wine has been spectacular, and I have been a frequent buyer and consumer of this wine since the first vintage Michel Chapoutier made, 1989.
The Barbe Rac is a 100% Grenache cuvee produced from a vineyard planted in 1901 near the famed La Gardine estate. It is aged 80% in tank and 20% in large demi-muids barrels. The deep ruby/purple-colored 2000 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac boast a fabulous perfume of kirsch liqueur, licorice, ground pepper, and a hint of Provencal herbs. Ripe, full-bodied, and concentrated, with huge quantities of glycerin as well as a finish that lasts for nearly 50 seconds, this spectacular Chateauneuf du Pape possesses a sweetness and endearing accessibility that make it hard to resist. It should be drinkable during its entire 20-year evolution. It's a wow, wow wine!
Note : 95 / 100
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) Octobre 2000
Less massive and full-bodied, it is still a big beast of a Châteauneuf. It offers a gorgeous nose of black fruits, smoke, and dried herbs. In the mouth, the wine is dense, with an unctuous texture, full body, and a long, concentrated, fruit-driven finish. While it may not equal the breadth and weight of the 1998, it is a top-flight Châteauneuf du Pape that will drink well for 15+ years… at the minimum.
Note : 92 / 100
Clives COATES (THE VINE / UK) July 2000
Perfumed on the nose. Very rich, almost sweet. Fullish. A little tannin. This has good grip and depth. 100 % Grenache. Not really very stylish. Too sweet, too artificial. 2001-2004.
Steve TANZER (International Wine Cellar / USA) Février / Mars 2000
Robe rouge profond. Le nez exhale un arôme plus serré de cerise noire confiturée. Ce vin extrêmement concentré et dense offre une flaveur fumée d'une profondeur remarquable ; il montre des signes de surmaturité tout en conservant sa fraîcheur. La finale, monumentale et puissante, porte des tannins poudreux substantiels. Ce sacré gaillard possède l'étoffe nécessaire pour soutenir son taux d'alcool qui dépasse les 15°. 92-95.
Steve TANZER (International Wine Cellar / USA) Février / Mars 2000
Deep red. Tighter aroma of jammy black cherry. Extremely concentrated and dense, with noteworthy depth of smoky flavor. Shows signs of surmaturité yet maintains freshness. The huge, powerful finish features substantial dusty tannins. This big boy has the sheer material to support its 15+ % alcohol. 92-95.
Clives COATES (THE VINE / UK) July 2000
Perfumed on the nose. Very rich, almost sweet. Fullish body. A little tannin. This has good grip and depth. 100 % Grenache. Not really my style. Too sweet. Too artificial. 2001-2004.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) Octobre 2000
It comes from a parcel of Grenache vines planted in 1901 in the western sector of the appellation. A dark plum/purple color is accompanied by a smoky, kirsch, roasted meat, and saddle leather-scented bouquet. The wine took a full year to ferment dry. The result is a blockbuster, full-bodied, super-concentrated Châteauneuf du Pape with multiple nuances of spice and Christmas fruit cake, as well as a lusty, heady, alcoholic finish nicely balanced by abundant quantities of glycerin and dense, layered fruit. Don’t hesitate to drink it now as well as over the next two decades.
Note : 95 / 100
Steve TANZER (International Wine Cellar / USA) Février / Mars 2000
Robe rouge moyen. Le nez libère des arômes de petits fruits rouges rôtis et de fumé. Ce vin souple et plein révèle un fruit d'une douceur délicieuse ; il n'est pas particulièrement profond mais il offre une texture impressionnante. La finale dévoile des tannins mâcheux ainsi qu'une pointe de chaleur. 89.
Steve TANZER (International Wine Cellar / USA) Février / Mars 2000
Medium red. Roasted red berries and smoke on the nose. Supple, full and pliant, with lovely sweetness of fruit. Not especially deep but offers impressive texture. Finishes with chewy tannins and a trace of heat. 89.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) February 1999
The deep ruby/colored 1997 Châteauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac exhibits plenty of kirsch, smoke, and herbs in its meaty, fragrant bouquet. Full-bodied, dense, rich, and layered, with good volume and persistence (particularly for a 1997), but hard and tough in the finish, it should be consumed over the next 7-8 years.
Note : 87-88 / 100
Stephen TANZER (INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR / USA) Février / Mars 1999
Robe rubis. Le nez offre des arômes plus complexes de framboise, de cerise noir, de fumé et de poivre. Ce vin, tendre et charnu, présente plus d’ampleur et de richesse que sur le millésime 1996. Il réussit mieux à dissimuler son alcool substanciel. La finale, longue et fraîche, déborde de fruit et porte des tanins fins. Ce Châteauneuf du Pape est très impressionnant.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) February 1999
The 1996 Châteauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac displays an exotic nose of barbeque spices, burning wood, and sweet cherry fruit. The plum / cherry color reveals some lightening at the edge. the wine is full-bodied and dense, with copious spice, tobacco, and earthy notes. This rich, chewy, outstanding Châteauneuf du Pape is one of the finest wines of the vintage.
Note : 90 / 100
Stephen TANZER (INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR / USA) Février / Mars 1999
Robe rouge-rubis moyen. Nez d’arômes de cerise, de café, de tabac et de terre humide. Ce vin évoque un peu le porto et très nettement le grenache. Les saveurs exotiques se répètent en bouche. C’est un Châteauneuf du Pape concentré mais pas particulièrement vibrant. Il est peut-être dans une phase de mutisme pour l’instant. Les tanins semblent vraiment plus secs que ceux des syrah 1996 de Chapoutier.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) October 1997
This luxury cuvée was harvested between September 22 and October 3rd. It is one of the densest, most concentrated wines of the vintage. That tell-tale notes of kirsch, raspberries, pepper and Provençal herbs are present, but the wine possesses more muscle, tannin, and structure than most 1996 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Tiny yields of 9 hectoliters per hectare contributed to the wine’s density. Given its grip and cellaring, it is one of the few 1996 Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines to require 3-5 years of cellaring ; it will keep for 15+ years.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) October 1997
This is a fragrant wine with a dense purple color, and a sensational Provençal nose of olives, jammy black cherries and raspberries, roasted herbs, and pepper. Extremely dense and huge in the mouth, with massive body, glycerin, and tannin, this powerful Châteauneuf-du-Pape requires cellaring. Anticipated maturity : 2000-2020.
Note : 93 / 100
Satya DAS (Edmonton journal / Canada) Mars 1998
Belle couleur, intense. Premier nez plus terre que fruit, assez intense. Nez principal de terre, fruits rouges, cerises, framboises sauvages. Vin trés concentré, intensité et profondeur remarquable, plus Côte Rôtie que Châteauneuf en caractère. Persistence étonnante. Un vin incroyable, d'une souplesse et d'un équilibre idéal.
Clive COATES (THE WINE / England) 1996
Still finishing its alcohol fermentation. 100 % Grenache. 14° natural. Very very rich and concentrated. Yet not too peppery or sauvage. Splendid fruit. This is very well mannered. Delicious. This is splendid. Elevé in demi-muids rather than barrique. No new wood. 2004-2014.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) August 1996
Production in 1995 was ten hectoliters per hectare (about two-thirds of a ton of fruit per acre). The 1995 is a reminiscent of a young 1978. The huge nose of kirsch, black-raspberries, and minerals is followed by a backward, dense, powerful Châteauneuf of legendary-like richness, as well as striking intensity and depth. This opaque purple-colored wine is massive in the mouth, as well as somewhat tannic. It needs 5-6 years of cellaring, and should keep for 30+ years. It is a magnificent example of old style Châteauneuf, the likes of which are rarely seen.
(L'ART ET LE VIN / France) Mars 1997
Robe soutenue et profonde avec un début d'évolution. Nez complexe et fin de fruits cuits et d'épices, de cuir et de pruneaux. En bouche, volume important et puissant. Belle structure tanique. Grande élégance et acidité fine. Belle longueur.
Clive COATES (THE WINE / England) 1996
This is lovely and rich. Slightly less alcohol but very good acidity. No-over ripeness. Fat, fullish, abundant. Very Grenache. Very classic. But not as concentrated or vigorous or as long. Quite a lot of tannin. Very good indeed though. 2002-2010.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) August 1996
It possesses a textbook provençal bouquet of lavender, garrigue, herbs, black olives, and jammy black-cherry scents. Powerful flavors bursting with extract and glycerin provide immense volume and force in the mouth, as well as a surprising sense of elegance and finesse. This full-bodied Châteauneuf du Pape will come around much sooner than the 1995 (4-6 years), yet it will drink well for two decades.
Note : 92-94 / 100
(WINE & SPIRITS / USA) February 1997
Hyper-ripe fruit makes this wine a little thick and blunt at the moment. It's solidly made, from 100 % old-vine grenache, and the style will appeal to aficionados of Châteauneuf as it ages. The tannins will need many years to soften up.
Steve TANZER (INTERNATIONAL WINE CELLAR / USA) January / February 1997
Good dark red color. Superripe aromas of kirsch, plums, licorice, chocolate and pepper. Sweet, very intensely flavored, and quite fresh for the vintage. Has a firm underlying structure for aging. Finishes very long, with substantial chewy but ripe tannins.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) October 1995
From yields of 8 hectoliters per hectare, it is a huge wine, with a massive richness and intensity reminiscent to the great 1990. There is more suppleness and onctuosity to this thick, juicy, wine, as well as less noticeable tannin than in the 1993. The 1994 is powerfull and rich, with layers of intense, smoky, sweet black-raspberry and cherry like flavors intertwined with pepper and roasted herbs. This wine will be far more approachable in its youth than the 1993, but it is another classic, super-concentrated Châteauneuf du Pape that should evolve for two or three decades. Very impressive !
(L'ART ET LE VIN / France) Mars 1997
Robe profonde et très soutenue, encore jeune. Nez fin et complexe de fruits rouges. Cuir de Russie, réglisse et note florale. Attaque franche sur une matière ample aux tanins veloutés. Belle longueur. Vin séveux tout en finesse. Grand avenir !
CHAMBERTIN (LE JOURNAL DU MEDECIN / Belgique) Septembre 1995
Nez violent avec une matière tannique puissamment épicée et framboisée, très long en bouche. Même si ce vin paraît assuré d'un vieillissement garanti, il montre sans retenue aucune sa grandeur actuelle.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) June 1994
Opaque purple / black-colored. It reveals a sensational, huge nose of sweet black-raspberry jam, roasted herbs, and pepper. It is reminiscent of a great Rayas, only more intense. Full-bodied, with 15 % natural alcohol, this mammothly constituted wine is one of Châteauneuf's superstars in 1993.
Note : 92 / 100
(L'ART ET LE VIN / France) Février 1996
Robe grenat profont moyennement soutenue ; nez en très légère réduction au départ, puis des notes de cuir, de chair avec un petit boisé agréable. Belle attaque en bouche sur une matière veloutée (un régal à ce niveau). Des tannins fins et mûrs, une belle longueur. L'acidité assez basse de ce vin le rend très agréable dès ... aujourd'hui.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) June 1994
It comes across as possibly more profound, probably because it is lower in acidity as well as a year older. The saturated purple color is followed by a huge, soaring nose of spices, cedar, licorice, black-fruits, and smoke, with great richness, immense body, an unctuous, chewy texture (from microscopic yields), and a blockbuster finish, it is an amazing Châteauneuf ! Both of these wines will drink well young yet evolve for 30 years.
Note : 90 / 100
Konrad EJBICH (EYE / Canada) November 1997
It is in a category by itself. Rich, concentrated and delicious. Robust wines such as these require robust food : pepper steak, hearty stews and winter foods work well.
Thomas MATTHEWS (WINE SPECTATOR / USA) November 1995
Aromas of chocolate and prunes give this a liqueurlike character. It's dense and thick, with smooth fruit, muscular tannins and notes of pepper and tobacco. An extreme style, but focused and clean.
Michael COOPER (LIQUOR LINK / New Zealand) May 1995
Based on Grenache vines planted in 1901, this is a roasted, spicy, berryish, exceptionally substantial and concentrated red.
Michel PHANEUF (LE GUIDE DU VIN 95 / Canada) 1994
Troisième élément du trio des grands crus de Chapoutier et exclusivement issu de grenache (14 hl/ha), il est encore un poids lourd imposant faisant bien sentir ses 14% d'alcool. Mais il n'y a pas que l'alcool, il y a aussi le fruit très dense et compact, des saveurs concentrées aux relents de fruits secs et une masse de tannins très mûrs. Il n'a sans doute pas la finesse de l'Ermitage rouge "Le Pavillon" ou de la Côte Rôtie "La Mordorée" , mais en dépit de sa puissance, ce vin conserve une fraîcheur remarquable.
Clive COATES (Clive COATES MW / England) January 1994
Good colour. Ripe, gingerbready nose. Medium to medium-full. Lovely fruit. There is nothing off-vintage about this. Long, intense, ripe. Not a blockbuster. Very good.
Robert M. PARKER Jr (THE WINE ADVOCATE / USA) June 1994
This is one of the two or three best wines I tasted in Châteauneuf du Pape from this dreadful vintage. Displaying a deep ruby color, a spicy, herbaeous-scented nose, and rich, curranty fruit, it possesses a more narrow flavor profile, medium to full-body, and excellent concentration and ripeness. With more noticeable tannin than the 1992 and 1993, it will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring ; it should keep for 15 years.
Note : 87 / 100
Clive COATES (Clive COATES MW / England) January 1994
Magnificent colour. Very powerfully intense nose, at present a bit brutal. But on the palate a wine of huge concentration and quantity of fruit. Great grip. A wine of enormous depth, richness and intensity. Not a bit over-alcoholic in flavour. Brillant.
