CLOS SAINT MICHEL CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
RHÔNE VALLEY, FRANCE 2016
Fourth-generation vignerons Franck and Olivier Mousset have built a Rhône Valley empire from their quaint farmhouse winery in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a portfolio that encompasses both everyday value and bold, concentrated wine built to age. A true benchmark vintage in the Rhône Valley, 2016 delivered outstanding quality with wines that “combine immense power (and sometimes alcohol levels) with elegance, perhaps most similar to the reds from 2010 or 1990 […] it will be a vintage to buy and cellar” (JC, Wine Advocate). The 2016 releases from Mousset’s original Châteauneuf property, Clos Saint Michel, are outstanding in their complexity and are among the very best bottles to date from this legacy producer. Though we were immediately hooked by the outstanding flagship ‘Grand Vin’—an elegant 50% Grenache-50% Syrah blend—the spicy 100% Mourvèdre ‘Grand Clos’ and intense 80% Syrah-20% Grenache ‘Coteau Brûlé’ firmly sealed the deal. We couldn’t pick just one favorite, so you won’t have to either! All three labels are available in a specially priced six-bottle wooden case that includes two of each wine; each case is signed by Julia Scavo, one of Europe’s top sommeliers and “ambassador” of Clos Saint Michel wines. Act quickly, as we have only been able to secure 100 sets for our Concierge clients!
The three wines are distinct, but in each one the fruit profile is decadently ripe, and balanced by firm tannins and a persistent streak of acidity. The ‘Grand Vin’ opens with powerful flavors of black cherry and blackberry that give way to nuances of tobacco, licorice, cinnamon and nutmeg. Wine Advocate calls it “a modern-style mashup of fruit and oak that comes together in lovely harmony.”
The ‘Grand Clos,’ crafted exclusively from Mourvèdre, is perhaps the most unique of the selection. Though it will certainly continue to evolve in cellar, it’s hard to resist now with its chocolate, mineral, and spicy notes that intertwine with aromas of violet and rose.
Not to be forgotten by any means, the newest cuvée from Clos Saint Michel, ‘Coteau Brûlé,’ perfectly balances intense power with easy elegance, as only pristinely managed Syrah can do. The wine is a deep, inky purple that comes bounding out the gate with its flavors of blueberry, plum, clove, pepper, and very dark chocolate. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the most popular wines in the world, and these three examples showcase exactly why the world fell in love with the bold and richly decadent wines from this region. Our Concierge pricing will be available for one week only, or until sold out, so secure your set today!
*Please Note: Individual bottle pricing on 'Grand Clos' and 'Grand Vin' were incorrectly stated on the original offer. Please see correct pricing above.*
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2020. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in CT, IL, LA, MO, NY, TN, or WI. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, January 5, 2020.
