Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vintage 1994

The AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most beautiful in the Rhone Valley. It is known for its red wines but also offers very nice white wines. It is one of the most beautiful terroirs of the Rhone Valley. This is why on each vintage all the grape varieties planted in our plots allow us to best express our magnificent terroir. 

The climatic conditions of 1994 gave rise to an early onset throughout the vegetative cycle. The break-up took place about a fortnight before the 29th of March after a last decade of February and less hot and dry March. This advance was tempered by the first 20 days of cold April. Temperatures and rainfall in May and early June were well within normal range. The first flowers appeared around May 17.

Mid-veraison was around the end of July. At the end of August, the grapes were exceptionally rich in sugar and perfectly healthy. The first plots of Grenache Blanc and Syrah were harvested from 29 August, which is a record for the Châteauneuf du Pape appellation. The harvest ban was set for Monday 5 September.

The harvest was quite fast due to the small amount of the harvest (about 30 hls average). Thus, almost all of the harvest entered the cellar before the degradation of time that occurred in mid-September.

According to our first tasting notes, the early harvested whites offer persistent fragrances and a nice creaminess in the mouth. The later vintages are more friary and more fruity. The reds have benefited from the good health condition associated with early maturity. We find very balanced wines. The color is frank, the nose is elegant, the mouth harmonious with tannins combining finesse and density.