Photo CreditLast Bottle Wines

Michel ArnaudMichel

Chteauneuf-du-PapeLa BessadeMichel La BessadeMichelGrenache NoirMichel2012Chteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge La Bessade

AOC Chteauneuf-du-Pape

Chteauneuf-du-PapeCabrires AOCLa Bessade

100% Grenache Noir

100

2530Demi-muids152-3

20122012

(15-20)4-516C

A truly refined, elegant and thoroughbred wine. The quintessence of harmony between grape and terroir are destined for longevity.

It is the only single plot cuve from their Chteauneuf-du-Pape terroir, the origins of La Bessade are at the heart of the estate family history. The name comes from Michels childhood home called La Bessade. Its Grenache Noir vines, anchored in blond sand soil, were always dear to Michels grandfather and father and they already vinified this plot of vines apart from the rest. Coming back to this family tradition and in homage to the land of his childhood, Michel created his Cuve Chteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge La Bessade in 2012.

Appellation:
Chteauneuf-du-Pape AOC, Southern Rhne

Country of Origin:
France

Type:
Red/Rouge (Still)

Terroir :
Sand located in the area of Cabrires, on the place called La Bessade, at the north of Chteauneuf-du-Pape AOC.

Vinification :
Exclusively hand-picked, hand-selected and de-stemmed grapes. 25 to 30 days of fermentation. Aged in vats, and then in the French oak demi-muids (hogshead barrels around double the standard size) from April for 15 months. Bottled after 2 or 3 years.

Grape Variety :
100% Grenache Noir

Age of Vine:
100-year-old

The Vintage :
With its historically low yield, 2012 is a vintage with balance at its heart. Fruity, round, creamy, deep and dense, wines born in 2012 are seductive and powerful. A great cellaring vintage.

Tasting Notes :
Lovely intense shiny deep crimson robe, with small stone fruit (plum, wild cherry) aromas, and notes of fresh licorice and undergrowth. Great amplitude for this powerful, elegant, racy and fresh palate; lovely structure with really fine and silky tannins. A lovely long-lasting finish with licorice and sweet spice notes.

Josh Raynolds:
Brilliant ruby. Deeply pitched dark berry and cherry aromas show good clarity and pick up a peppery element with air. Fleshy and broad on the palate, offering gently sweet blackberry and cherry compote flavors and a subtle touch of gaminess. In a supple, seamless, highly approachable style, finishing with outstanding thrust and smooth tannins that sneak up slowly. Vinous: 92 (Drink:2017 – 2024)

Winemakers Advice :
With this wines excellent cellaring potential (15 to 20 years), the gourmet should wait 5 years before this wine starts to show off its great complexity. Decant an hour before serving. Ideal serving temperature: 16C.