Chateau de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge

Powerful yet subtle, Château d’Aqueria’s Lirac rouge is full of red fruits and spices. To be enjoyed young or aged for several years. This Lirac is grown on sandy clay soils with round pebbles. A blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah and Mourvèdre which brings balance and generosity. One third of the wine is barrel-aged. The oak is discreet, softening the tannins which subtly reveal the aromatic complexity of this wine.

Winemaker notes

Eye : Deep, dark and dense red.

Nose : Intense nose of red and black berries, spice.

Palate : Beautiful composition, silky tannins, power and elegance.

Overall : Expressive, noble and complete.

2017

Wine Advocate 93: Out of bottle, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Vin seems to have closed down a bit. Although still impressive for its concentration and length, it seems a bit chunky, delivering muscular black cherry fruit and hints of cedar, clove and leather. Full-bodied and tannic, it could use another year or two of cellaring and then drink well for a decade.

Wine Enthusiast 97: Piquant hits of shaved peppercorn and clove lend warmth to rich, glossy black plum and mulberry in this penetrating red. A blend of Grenache and Syrah accented by smaller proportions of three other regional red grapes, it's full in body but thrilling and fresh, lifted by a crush of minerality and lingering traces of leather, earth and sage. Drink through 2040.