M. Chapoutier
La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, Rhône, France
75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre —a total stunner she is, drinkable now with a body to go the difference. The nose brings red fruits (plums, cherries, strawberries) and roses and rose petals. The palate is silky-smooth, fresh fruit giving way to tootsie roll and stewed fruit flavors, augmented by earth and sanguine balsamic grooves, a bit of herbal garrigue carrying the day. The finish carries on, persistent and solidly ethereal if we can make that a thing.
75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre —a total stunner she is, drinkable now with a body to go the difference. The nose brings red fruits (plums, cherries, strawberries) and roses and rose petals. The palate is silky-smooth, fresh fruit giving way to tootsie roll and stewed fruit flavors, augmented by earth and sanguine balsamic grooves, a bit of herbal garrigue carrying the day. The finish carries on, persistent and solidly ethereal if we can make that a thing.
Nov 12th, 2024
It's not necessarily the wine I'd prefer to drink, but the 2016 La Bernadine was certainly aptly placed (by Chapoutier) as the "better" wine in our impromptu Chapoutier study. Compared to the 2017 La Ciboise, this was more concentrated, primary, and persistent. It's a fruit bomb on both the nose and palate, mixing red and black fruits, and a discernable candied sweetness in the back of the palate. Spices, dried herbs, and musk sit nicely in the background. I feel the acidity and plush tannins helps mask the whooping 15% abv. Finishes long and sweet, with a interesting hint of orange rind-like bitterness. The quality is undeniable, but it's not a wine I'd care for.
It's not necessarily the wine I'd prefer to drink, but the 2016 La Bernadine was certainly aptly placed (by Chapoutier) as the "better" wine in our impromptu Chapoutier study. Compared to the 2017 La Ciboise, this was more concentrated, primary, and persistent. It's a fruit bomb on both the nose and palate, mixing red and black fruits, and a discernable candied sweetness in the back of the palate. Spices, dried herbs, and musk sit nicely in the background. I feel the acidity and plush tannins helps mask the whooping 15% abv. Finishes long and sweet, with a interesting hint of orange rind-like bitterness. The quality is undeniable, but it's not a wine I'd care for.
Sep 16th, 2020
Good producer, but this vintage is way off the mark. Fruit is flabby and structure is weak.
Good producer, but this vintage is way off the mark. Fruit is flabby and structure is weak.
Feb 12th, 2020
A great showing for this wine from a somewhat overlooked vintage in Chateauneuf.
A great showing for this wine from a somewhat overlooked vintage in Chateauneuf.
Jan 27th, 2019Such a treat on a cold, winter night. This wine presents with a joyful mix of plumy, smokey and earthy flavors and aromas. Decanted for an hour to let it come together. I'm really a big fan and this comes in at an excellent price point if the big, expensive juice just isn't for you.
Such a treat on a cold, winter night. This wine presents with a joyful mix of plumy, smokey and earthy flavors and aromas. Decanted for an hour to let it come together. I'm really a big fan and this comes in at an excellent price point if the big, expensive juice just isn't for you.
Mar 4th, 2018Dark cherry, cassis, black pepper, delicious wine
Dark cherry, cassis, black pepper, delicious wine
1 person found it helpfulOct 25th, 2015
'69 Bernardine. From an excellent btl. Delicious. Not noticeably on the way down. Bright color, rich, + long finish.
'69 Bernardine. From an excellent btl. Delicious. Not noticeably on the way down. Bright color, rich, + long finish.
1 person found it helpfulJun 30th, 2015
Classic leaner style CDP. Red fruit, plum, bbq, toast, pepper, violet. Feminine in style. Great for $20 on blowout at Costco.
Classic leaner style CDP. Red fruit, plum, bbq, toast, pepper, violet. Feminine in style. Great for $20 on blowout at Costco.
Jun 25th, 2017