Domaine La Barroche "Pure" Chateauneuf du Pape 2021
(Southern Rhone, France) - [JS 96] [VM 94] [JD 94] [WS 94] [WA 92+]

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 cuvee reflects a specific terroir and grape variety, as well as a hundred years of ups and downs - unstinting efforts, though crises, wars, etc... as well as years of joy and plenty. The century-old Grenache vines are deeply rooted in this mythical plot like no other, with sandy and red Comtat sandstone soil. Not only rare and unique, the resulting wine is indescribably... pure, as well as ethereal, delicate, elegant, fresh, natural, floral, silky, unctuous and absolute. "Pure features a wonderful bouquet and texture, but so much more.

Assembly:

Ratings & Reviews

96 Points - James Suckling:
"A stunning, harmonious and vibrant 100% grenache. The nose expresses notes of sweet cherries, raspberries, currants, wild herbs and baking spices. It’s full-bodied with fine tannins. Intense but in control, with a restrained character. There is elegance and intensity. It’s lively and sharp with a succulent core of sour cherries and some dried orange peel character. The structure is well integrated and harmonious with great balance. Vivid finish with focus and length. Drink or hold." - JS (April 2024)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pure is a beautifully layered red. Orange peel, rose petal, ripe red fruits, crushed violets and black cherry define the fragrant aromatic profile. White pepper elements add a spicy complexity. Framed by seamless tannins and finishing with excellent length, the 2021 comes highly recommended. Readers should note that there will be no 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pure due to crop-reducing hail damage on August 14th. (Drink between 2027-2041)" - Nicolas Greinacher (June 2024)

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pure showed beautifully and is clearly up with the finest in the vintage. Ripe darker cherries, spring flowers, peppery garrigue, and some earthy, spicy nuances all shine, and it's medium-bodied, elegant, and seamless, with beautiful tannins. As with most of the top 2021s, it's all about finesse and elegance and is already impossible to resist. It should evolve for 10-12 years with no issues. (Drink between 2023-2035)" (Oct 2023)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Offers ripeness and concentration for the lighter vintage. Starts broad and generous, then firms up quickly on the palate, with a dense core of black currant and smoke sewn up with finely structured tannins. Shows equal parts power and finesse. Drink now through 2040. 250 cases made, 40 cases imported." - KB (Mar 2025)

92+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure—Grenache from a single parcel—boasts impressive aromatics of crushed stone, floral notes of roses and lavender and mixed berries. It's medium to full-bodied, concentrated, firm and tannic—perhaps overly so? In obvious need of cellaring, cautious buyers may wish to seek out the 2020 or hold out for the 2022, but I suspect the 2021 will come around in due time." - Joe Czerwinski (Sep 2023)