Domaine de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2007, Rhône, France

 

When travelling, I love to shop and browse in local wine shops. It’s always nice to see which wines are available, that we don’t often find in our local shops. I always try to bring a few bottles home, it makes for a nice souvenir. This wine was purchased in Stockholm, Sweden, part of one of the cities visited during a Baltic cruise in August 2010.

I don’t think that I have ever tasted a Châteauneuf-du-Pape which such a high percentage of Syrah in the blend, it really shows on the nose. This wine opened up with aromas of plum, blueberry, violet, mushroom, Asian spices, damp earth and barnyard-like animal notes. On the mouthfeel, medium bodied with alcohol at 14%, well integrated flavours, very smooth texture with fine, soft tannins and good length on the finish. I think its drinking pretty much at its peak right now, you could possibly cellar it for another 2-3 years. This is definitely an interesting, savoury and earthy style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, very enjoyable. Domaine de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2007 is a blend of 80% Syrah, 15% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre. Score 91 points.

Purchased in Stockholm, Sweden in August of 2010