Clos St Patrice - Monopole - Châteauneuf du Pape 2018
Clos Saint Patrice is a true gem nestled in the heart of the village of Châteauneuf du Pape, a 1.8-hectare monopole enclosed by a stone wall in the style of the great Burgundian clos. This unique clos rests on a rare terroir, composed mainly of very deep brown sand, complemented by lighter sands resting on rock and partially covered with rolled pebbles, which gives the wines remarkable tannin finesse and verticality. Heir to an ancient know-how, the Saint Patrice estate practices demanding and respectful viticulture here, with old vines of Grenache and Mourvèdre from massal selections. This limestone and sandy terroir, perfectly ventilated, promotes slow and homogeneous ripening while preserving great aromatic freshness, the signature of the best Châteauneuf du Pape from gentle altitude. The Clos Saint Patrice Monopole cuvée thus embodies the quintessence of this place, with a style of great purity, often compared by enthusiasts to the elegance of some great Burgundy wines.
Clos Saint Patrice Monopole 2018 is a red Châteauneuf du Pape made from a mixed planting blend of about 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, planted on these deep and limestone sands in the center of the village. The harvest is done by hand, with a rigorous selection of the bunches, then the vinification is done with whole clusters, the stems being kept to bring energy, spices, and length to the wine. Fermentation in concrete vats, following an infusion principle rather than brutal extraction, preserves the silkiness of the Grenache and the tannic nobility of the Mourvèdre. Aging continues in vats, without strong oak influence, to let the terroir speak with the greatest clarity possible. The 2018 vintage, warm but well controlled, allowed for perfectly ripe grapes, offering a wine that is both concentrated, refined, and of great aromatic precision. This monopole cuvée, produced in confidential quantities, is clearly aimed at lovers of great terroir wines who seek depth and uniqueness rather than a display of power.
On the palate, Clos Saint Patrice Monopole 2018 shows a deep ruby color with garnet reflections, bright and dense. The nose unfolds a complex palette of black cherry, red plum, ripe raspberry, and crushed strawberry, enhanced by notes of dried flowers, bay leaf, thyme, and licorice, in a very classic Châteauneuf du Pape register but with a particular finesse of grain. On the palate, the attack is ample and silky, marked by juicy and pure fruit, immediately supported by a fine and powdery tannic framework, inherited from the deep sands. The Grenache brings indulgence and softness of texture, while the Mourvèdre infuses depth, structure, and a subtle wild touch that complicates the whole. The finish is long, precise, crossed by notes of sweet spices, garrigue, and a slight salinity that signs the terroir and invites the next sip. At the table, this 2018 will ideally accompany a confit lamb shoulder, a herb-roasted leg of lamb, a Provençal beef stew, game bird cuisine, or a slightly aged soft cheese.
Grape varieties: 80% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre
