Domaine Le Prieure des Papes Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bessade 2019

Led by one of the top wine professionals in the world Antoine Petrus, this “new” estate is one to watch! If you remember long-time favorite Domaine La Millière, you’ll be excited for the future of this new top estate – with access to some of CdP’s most spectacular old vine plots! 94 POINTS and a spectacular 40% OFF for this first release CdP!

Domaine le Prieure des Papes, if you’ve never heard of them...it’s because they’re brand new. But they’re also ancient. Remember Domaine La Millière? The spectacular, old-vine-loving Arnaud family, a jewel of a producer that you dedicated First Bottlers have been gobbling up for years?!?!

Welp, the estate, the facilities, and most importantly, those extra special, seriously ancient vines (up to 130 years old!) are now Domaine le Prieure des Papes. Organic. Bio-dynamic. Off-the-hook delicious. SAVORY, complex, layered, and packed with flavor. It does all this with BALANCE and vibrancy. 94 Points, Over 40% off!

2019 vintage Châteauneuf was an all-time great one and these old vines (90% grenache with 10% mourvedre) are simply singing! No new oak here – just 75% of the grapes fermented in concrete, 10% in neutral barriques, 10% in large demi-muids, and 5% in clay amphorae for 18 months. 20% whole cluster fermentation adds a spiciness and depth, but here, the fruit is what truly shines. Essence of kirsch, ripe summer strawberries, and red cherries, with oodles of lavender and white pepper spice, and notes of black tea and camphor. Not a heavy wine, more in the medium-weight style of CdP but utterly compelling and balanced. Keep it around for a decade plus, too!! This is a first effort that leaves us trembling with excitement for what's to come with one of our long-standing favorite Rhone properties. If you were savvy enough to snag some of the winery’s “Couchant” blend last month, this is your chance to complete the pair!