Domain La Barroche, 2008
Excellent red wine. Thanks to Winepunk Erik that suggested this winery. Long taste, young (no surprise as it is a 2008). Cherries — very fruity indeed. It has though loads of syrah, an interesting comparison to 2006 that I also tasted. I prefer the 2006 version as I think better syrah dominated wine can be found elsewhere. (++)
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Good, but not excellent wine.
It has been rated a “7B” (cf. Rhône Méridional, France row) according to this charter :
https://www.vintages.com/fr/circular_fr/vintage-chart_fr.pdf
Note that I use a different scale, and the (++) implies a good wine. But it is neither a (+++) or (++++) that are higher. And yes, you are absolutely correct that the 2008 vintage was not a specifically good one (specifically when comparing with 2007), but in Châteauneuf-du-Pape I do not think the years matters so much. If you on the other hand go to Gigondas, the difference is much larger. In Châteauneuf-du-Pape the difference between the various domains are much larger, and Domaine La Barroche is absolutely one of the best. Expensive, but not as expensive as for example Chateau Beaucastel that I think is over priced (around €58 on the market for young wine, compared to €30 for a Barroche).
If you have not tried the Barroche, do it!
Btw, I just saw that this wine got 92 points by Wine Spectator…
This has impressive density, with layers of fleshy plum, cassis, raspberry and blackberry fruit, stitched with perfumy tea, mulled spice and shiso leaf notes. The long finish really sails on, letting the fruit flesh out while a charred apple wood notes slides in un- derneath. Best from 2011 through 2020.—J.M.