Châteauneuf-du-Pape, La Bessade, Le Prieuré des Papes - 2019

This neo-domain is one of the finest 2019s we have tasted in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It is the result of the takeover of Domaine La Millière, which had belonged to the Arnaud family since the 1940s. The Strasser family took it over in 2019. They also own the Restaurant La Mére Germaine, in Châteauneuf du Pape, and the famous Domaine de Coyeux, in Beaumes de Venise. The property occupies 15 ha in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, all around the estate, in the place called Cabrières. The soils are surprisingly varied, even though they are located close to each other. Since 2014, the vineyard is certified organic. Offered in the Christmas mail, the Vieilles Vignes cuvée is an archetypal wine, a model with a formidable Q/P ratio. The aptly named Couchant is more opulent and will mellow with time, but it has plenty of class. Finally, from the sandy soils just above the estate, La Bessade is a bit like the Rayas of the estate, with its light colour, extreme finesse and lacy tannins. A collector's wine.