Domaine Benedetti - "Les Larmes Papales" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2020

Domaine Benedetti is a small, organic, family-run estate in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The domaine was founded by Nicolas Benedetti in 1930, when he moved his family from Italy to the southern Rhône. Today, his great-grandson (also named Nicolas Benedetti) organically farms 4 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 10 hectares of Côtes du Rhône and 2 hectares of Vin de Pays. When I tasted the Domaine’s wines, I was blown away by their purity, depth and richness, not to mention the pinpoint expression of the terroir and vintage conditions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the southern Rhône.

Les Larmes Papales (The Tears of the Pope) is made of 100% Grenache from a parcel by parcel selection of estate's best fruit as well as the oldest vines. Deep ruby color in the glass with well-defined aromas of cherry liquer, black fruits and garrigue. The palate is dense, powerful, complex and well balanced with flavors of blackcurrant, licorice and black cherries that are buttressed by an integrated, lively acidity. On the finish, Les Larmes Papales delivers incredible length and persistence with a luxurious mouthfeel and refined burst of concentrated fruit. Divine.