Domaine La Barroche "Cuvee Fiancee" Chateauneuf du Pape 2022
(Southern Rhone, France) - [JS 95] [VM 94] [WS 94] [JD 93]

About the Winery:
Dating back to Alexander Barrot’s aquisition of the land in the 17th century, Christian Barrot inherited his family’s 5 ha (3 acres) estate in 1972 and has since grown it to 15 ha (30 acres) spread throughout the northern region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. From the start, Christian knew the value of his terroir and focused on selling his wine in bulk to prestigious wine merchants in the northern Côtes du Rhône.

In the early 2000s, Christian’s children, Laetitia and Julien, joined the family business and made the decision to estate bottle their own wine. Today, Laetitia handles the marketing and sales, while Julien, who received degrees in enology and business, is the winemaker. Julien’s experience working in other wine regions including Côtes du Rhône, Bordeaux, Languedoc and Australia contributes unique insights to his family’s estate.

“We put our heart and soul into winemaking and are deeply-rooted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. We are proud of our heritage, down-to-earth, and hardworking, and aim to offer you the best possible wine, while continually striving for excellence.” - Julien and Laetatia Barrot

About the Wine:
This wine combines two seemingly opposite grapes: 100-year-old Grenache and young Syrah. However, these two varieties complement one another beautifully: a fusion of masculine and feminine – a silky blend of power and finesse with fresh fruit aromas, flowers and spices. Wine-making in underground concrete vats. Destemming of underripe stalks. The wine stays on the skins for over 4 weeks. Gentle extractions. The Grenache is aged in tank. The Syrah is aged on its lees in 600 liter barrels used to age 3 previous vintages. Aging lasts approximately 18 months. The wine is not filtered before bottling. 

This label was designed by Barcelona artist Carlos Pazos, who was awarded Spain’s 2004 Plastic Arts Prize. He is a great lover of France, where he works a good part of the year. Carlos' drawing beautifully expresses the synergy of this unique blend from Domaine la Barroche.

Assembly:

Ratings & Reviews

95 Points - James Suckling:
"A textural, dense yet vivid Chateauneuf-du-Pape from century-old grenache vines and young syrah. The result is stunning, with aromas of currants, warm herbs, earth and baking spices, followed by a full body with fine, firm tannins. A dense core of fruit at the center with a lighter, more lively finish, where a lovely kick of spices adds vitality. Focused finish with a blood-orange note and plenty of length. Drink or hold." (Apr 2025)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Fiancée turned out splendidly. Wild strawberries, orange rind, black cherry compote, and crushed violets mingle with striking spice box and licorice aromatics. Anchored by ripe tannins, the 2022 is a powerful and savory Fiancée, benefitting from the inclusion of fruit that typically goes into the Pure (which was not made in 2022 due to summer hailstorm damage). A long, complex finish confirms a red Châteauneuf-du-Pape of outstanding quality with secure aging potential. (Drink between 2028-2040)" - Nicolas Greinacher (Nov 2024)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A sleek version, with an opulent core of red licorice and cherry on a foundation of smoldering iron. Wafts of alder smoke join subtle fruitcake spice notes. There's good energy to the lush finish, with a bitter mineral vein pulsing through. Drink now through 2040. 150 cases made, 40 cases imported." - KB (Mar 2025)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"A blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah from the Cabrières and Terres Blanches lieux-dits that was raised in foudre, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Fiancée has a beautiful nose of juicy black cherries, blackberries, peppery herbs, leather, and baking spices. It has a slightly floral, exotic edge in its aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness as well as good concentration, fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's a beautifully balanced, complete, impressive wine that will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and shine over the following decade. There are a tiny 250 cases produced. (Drink between 2026-2038)" (Oct 2024)