| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Southern Rhône > Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Domaine de la Mordorée
Ethereal stuff that has everything, the 2003 Domaine de la Mordoree Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois has classically-styled (especially when compared to the Plume du Peintre) aromas and flavors of black and red fruits, truffle, garrigue, saddle leather and pan drippings. Full-bodied and gorgeously concentrated on the palate, it remains perfectly balanced and fresh, with no apparent weight or heaviness, superb purity and a monster finish. Giving the '01 a run for its money, it handedly surpassed the Plume du Peintre on this occasion. It's a breathtaking drink now, yet still youthful and lively and should evolved gracefully for another decade or more.
2003 was a challenging vintage for Chateauneuf du Pape, but the 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois (70% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, and the rest equal parts Cinsault, Counoise, Syrah, and Vaccarese) is extraordinary. I had wondered if the culling out of a special lot for the La Plume du Peintre would have any impact on the Cuvee de la Reine des Bois, but it has not. This is stunning Chateauneuf du Pape with an inky ruby/purple color and a sweet nose of blackberries, camphor, licorice, spice box, and violets. The wine is full-bodied, rich and layered, and similar in style to the 2001. It’s a beauty, and should drink well for 15 or more years.
Sadly, Mordoree owns only ten acres in Chateauneuf du Pape, so production is limited. However, the wines are consistently brilliant. The 2003 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de la Reine des Bois, a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah, Vaccarese, and Cinsault, was 100% destemmed, and was aged in tank (one-third) and a combination of new, 1, 2, and 3-year old French barrels (two-thirds). At 15.5% alcohol, this is no wimpish wine. It is full-bodied and elegant, with a dense purple color, a big, chewy richness, tremendous purity, and notes of smoke, creosote, black raspberries, cassis, and cherries. Deep and opulent with noticeably high tannin in the finish, this large-scaled, substantial Chateauneuf should hit its peak in 4-6 years, and last for two decades.
Drink - 2008-2024
