Domaine de Cristia, Cuvée Tradition, Chateauneuf Du Pape, Rhône, France, 2018

Overview of the Wine
Created by Etienne Grangeon 70 years ago, the property originally comprised 2 hectares of Grenache. It was developed further by the driving force of his son Alain, who joined the domaine in 1963. Passionate about viticulture, he notably contributed to the expansion of the domaine and planted improved grape varieties such as Syrah and Mourvèdre and created the identity of Cristia, based on the knowledge and respect of his soils.

Then, in 1999, Baptiste, Dominique and more recently Florent joined their father. Their priorities were to concentrate on selecting the best parcels in order to produce a wine of a great quality with a good ageing potential.

Grape / Blend
100% Grenache 

Origin
Rhône, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Deep red-cherry color. The nose is harmonious mixing floral and fruit aromas with a touch of licorice. The attack is balanced and lively, the tannins powerful and ripe. Long intense fruit and aromatic finish.

91 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the 2018s from bottle and based on 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah brought up mostly in tank, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape sports a deep ruby/purple color as well as a classic bouquet of black cherries, black licorice, spice, and a touch of Provençal garrigue. It’s medium to full-bodied, has a beautiful texture, the upfront, front end-loaded style of the vintage, and should be drunk in the first decade of life or so.

90 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate 
Cristia's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts scents of cola, garrigue, raspberries and black cherries. Mainly tank-aged Grenache, with small amounts of barrel-aged Mourvèdre and Syrah, it's medium to full-bodied, moderately concentrated and dusted with ripe tannins. The house style is one of sandy-soil elegance, and that's reflected in this entry-level cuvée, which finishes long and silky.

Product size: 750ml