When it comes to the Rhône valley, I must admit that I am a bit of a traditionalist in regards to flavor profile and Domaine de Ferrand, lead by visionary Philippe Bravy, is extremely dedicated to preserving the unique traditions and special characteristics that Châteauneuf du Pape offers. Robert Parker, Jr. has called Philippe ‘one of the most serious of the young generation of vignerons in Châteauneuf du Pape’ and one of the region’s ‘up and coming stars.’ Perhaps it is the dedication and care that Philippe laboriously garners on his family’s scant 5 1/2 hectare domaine. While practicing organic farming techniques and strictly limiting yields on his extremely old vine parcels (some of which date to over 100 years in age), Monsieur Bravy is able to achieve superb ripeness of fruit and great complexity. The 2005 release of his Châteauneuf du Pape is primarily Grenache with a 10% cépage of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and several local white varietals. This red is altogether captivating with aromas of garrigue, licorice, black cherry, wild raspberry and smoked game. With a broad, generous palate, this is a serious wine through and through with layers of earthy, meaty, Provençal inspired fruit. In other words, this red is not for the faint of heart but for those, like myself, who appreciate the southern Rhône in all of its glory. Not to mention, this beauty, although currently drinking well, does have the potential to age gloriously over the next decade.
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