Domaine de la Cote de l'Ange Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, Rhone, France 2011

Description

From Châteauneuf-du-Pape and produced by Domaine de la Côte de l Ange, this Vieilles Vignes 2011 shows the elegance of the vintage. Warmer and more approachable than 2010, the year delivered wines with softer structure and earlier maturity.

Made primarily from old vine Grenache grown on classic galets soils, the wine now shows a deep garnet color with brick at the rim. Aromas lean toward dried cherry, fig, leather, tobacco and wild Rhône herbs. The palate is medium to full bodied with silky, resolved tannins and a savory finish marked by spice and earth.

Fully mature and drinking beautifully now, it pairs effortlessly with lamb, duck or braised meats and benefits from a gentle decant before serving slightly below room temperature.