History of Chapoutier family dates back to the early 19th century when current owner Michel Chapoutier’s great-, great-, great-grandfather Marius purchased estate & famous l’Hermitage vineyards. Medium Ruby with aromas of rich red/black fruits and spice. On the palate raspberry, cherry & black currant flavors with notes of oak. Firm tannins, well balanced ending with fruit, spice and cedar. Very nice! Tasting Sample. Has lots of room to bottle evolve. — 4 years ago
One of YT’s finest wines I’ve had, 4 hour decant transformed it and continued to evolve while drinking. Wow. — 2 years ago
The nose, though mostly primary at this stage but already seductive, shows blackberries, blueberry jam, cassis, dark roasted coffee beans, and hint of tobacco. The full body is sculptured like a long distance runner, with cool acidity carrying the fluid yet powerful strikes.
Obviously still young, but really a beautiful wine that will evolve gracefully.
Paired great with wild mushroom rice. — 3 years ago
The 2016 Lauren has really evolved since I had it last a couple of years ago. A lot of the bright lemon peel and white flower aromatics have given way to more complex, more subtle earthy components, highlighted by aromas of what I can only describe as a subtle yeast-like aroma - toasted bread. Expansive on the palate, full bodied, with a 45-second finish. Tastes more like a Batard-Montrachet than a Sonoma chard. Should be cool to see where this goes as it contiues to evolve in the glass. Awesome. — 4 years ago
One glass and I did not open the whole bottle. Still I am not disappointed. So far one of the best Chateauneuf-du-pape I had except for Rayas. I am wondering how it wilm evolve. Sor far we have dark fruits, a bit of spices and quite à long finish. I am also surprised that such a wine is pretty much unknown. — 3 years ago
The wine has evolved nicely over the last few years resulting in a beautifully balanced and complex Sonoma Pinot. Rose petals, lavender and eucalyptus notes on the nose. Cranberry and sour cherries dominate the palate. Finishes with a little spice. While it is drinking well now it should continue to evolve over time. — 3 years ago
Bright and youthful in colour, the nose was initially closed but opened up on decanting. Sour cherry and dried mint. Medium high acidity and firm, tight tannins. Needed decanting to evolve the palate. Great food wine. Probably deserves more patience and time to be more giving. — 4 years ago
Nathan Renfro
@"Odedi" comments below are spot on. Gave this bottle 2 hours decant and it was drinking very well. Very approachable, a lighter Napa cab, very well balanced with just ripe dark fruit, medium plush tannins, med acidity. Drinking very well. Really enjoyable. Can’t wait to watch this evolve with many more years left. — 21 days ago