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Château de Nalys

Saintes Pierres de Nalys Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2019

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

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Translated as “holy stones”, a play on the soils and history of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the second red wine to Château de Nalys is an altogether different animal.  Differing varietal and plot selections, fermentation, and aging result in a wine that is rich and ample, yet offers immense direct and approachable pleasure; a wine of red fruits, supple structure and brightness.

In comparison to the Grand Vin, this wine relies both on varieties and plots that bring freshness, and a vinfication entirely in stainless steel and foudres that emphasizes that freshness.

Vineyard

Produced from three exceptional terroirs: 33% Nalys, with fine, red sandstone and sandy clay, with some limestone and soft sandstone; 34% La Crau, featuring the famous galets, large round pebbles derived from the Rhone river; 33% Bois Senechal, with slightly smaller galets and sandier, less structured soils than La Crau. These vines average 45 years of age, with the typically low yields of Châteauneuf-du-Pape of 35 hl/ha. The varietal composition is 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 5% Muscardin, 5% (Mourvedre, Cinsault, Vaccarese, Terret Noir). All 13 permitted Châteauneuf grapes are planted on all 3 vineyard plots at Nalys.

Vineyard: Nalys

Surrounding the estate, the “Nalys” vineyard has very fine soils that create supple wines that are extremely silky and retain freshness. These are some of the oldest soils in Châteauneuf, underlying many of the other soil compositions in the appellation, made up of red sandstone, a sandy clay soil, and covered limestone with some soft sandstone at the vineyard edges. This plot is directly adjoining – over the hill – from Rayas, the great example of finesse in Châteaneuf. Official lieu-dit in land registries is “Grande Pierre”.

Vineyard: La Crau

“La Crau” is arguably the single greatest vineyard in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and Nalys has 38 acres located as a single center-north block. It is famous specifically for structured, complex and intensely expressive wines. Naly’s holdings are the highest elevation of the Crau plateau and bordering forest they own, providing slightly cooler temperatures and ideal drainage – the sweet spot. The soils are made up of the famous galets: large round pebbles derived from the Rhône river. Direct neighbors are Henri Bonneau, La Janasse (used for their Vieilles Vignes), and other leading properties.

Vineyard: Bois Senechal

Adjoining La Crau, Nalys is the sole owner of the top of the plateau. Like La Crau, containing galets, though slightly smaller stones, and sandier soil composition; the wines are slightly less structured, more evenly composed. The site of their best Mourvedre plot, Bois Senechal also has fairly unique terraced vines in rows sloping back to the winery. Neighbors are further below the plateau, Mont Olivet, Domaine de la Solitude. Official lieu-dit is “Bois Seneseau”.

Winemaking

Manual harvesting and sorting was followed by vinification and 24 months of aging in stainless steel and foudres (10% new).

Vintage

2019 is another excellent vintage for the Rhône Valley, with exceptional potential quality in both the North and South. A dry spring was followed by a moderate summer featuring three distinct heat spikes; harvest occurred normally in mid-September. The grapes were ripe and concentrated with excellent natural acidity, and the wines are rich but balanced and expressive.

Tasting Note

Deep, dark and profound red. An elegant nose, open with notes of red fruits. The palate is ample and supple, with tannins keeping a lovely frame. Overall, a rich wine, balanced between richness and freshness.

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Cinsault, Grenache, Mourvedre, Muscardin, Syrah, Vacarese

Appellation

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Farming

Vineyards are farmed organically, awaiting certification.

Alcohol

15.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$70

Reviews

(91-93 )

"Purple Raspberries"

Wine Advocate (91-93) - September 21, 2022

"The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres is fruity and ripe, with scents of mint, black cherries and purple raspberries. Full-bodied and velvety textured, it finishes with ample length and a touch of licorice." - J.C 5/22

 

93

"Stains the palate"

Vinous - September 21, 2022

"Brilliant violet. Intensely perfumed black raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied flowers and baking spices. Stains the palate with juicy, spice-laced red and blue fruit preserve flavors that are lifted and sharpened by a smoky mineral element. At once lively and concentrated, finishing very long and spicy, with supple tannins and lingering florality." - J.R 12/21

 

93

"Outstanding Wine"

Jeb Dunnuck - September 21, 2022

"Leading off the 2019s from bottle, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys has a focused, straight, elegant profile as well as impressive strawberry and cherry fruits, notes of peppery herbs and violets, medium body, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's not as rich or concentrated as the Grand Vin, but it has a wonderful sense of purity and elegance, and it’s already drinking nicely."- J.D 12/22

 

93

"Garrigue and red tea"

Wine Spectator - November 2, 2022

"Juicy, fresh and inviting in feel, with kirsch and raspberry coulis dotted with garrigue and red tea details that provide nice energy through the minerally finish. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Muscardin, Mourvèdre, Vaccarèse and Terret Blanc. "- J.M 11/22

 

92

"Pie cherries, garrigue"

Wine Advocate - October 5, 2023

"Pretty raspberry and strawberry shadings appear on the nose of the 2019 Châteauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres, joined by pie cherries and slightly herbal notions of garrigue. It's medium to full-bodied, with a silky texture and a firm, gently tannic finish."- J.C 9/23

 

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