Provenance

Private Client

Critics Ratings

1998:
‘More concentrated and rich than the Croix de Bois, the 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac offers a blockbuster bouquet of blackberries, kirsch, ground herbs, licorice and scorched earth. Coming from the southwestern sector of the appellation and vines planted in 1901, this full-bodied, layered and sexy 1998 has enough fruit and depth to continue drinking nicely for another decade.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, 96/100 (Aug 2015)

‘Medium red. Smoky red fruits, graphite and pepper on the complex nose. Superripe, plump and sweet, with lovely balancing acidity for a wine this high in alcohol. This has real depth and chocolatey sweetness. Very long, ripely tannic finish builds slowly and lingers long. Distinctive, outstanding Chateauneuf du Pape.’ – Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, 93/100 (Feb 2001)

‘Rich strawberry and Demerara sugar flavours. Thick and sweet. Looks, tastes and smells almost like port.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18/20 (Feb 2011)

2003:
'Just loaded with racy red and black currant fruit, this also pumps out cocoa, bacon, smoked apple wood and tar flavors as well, but stays remarkably fresh and vibrant through the finish. Surprisingly accessible now, but ironclad tannins will let this cruise for a generation.’ – James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, 96/100 (May 2006)

‘More chewy, rustic and concentrated than the Croix de Bois, the 2003 M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac offers up meaty aromas of dried licorice, dusty earth, beef blood and cured meats. Taking the better part of the evening to open up, it gains in both sweetness and polish with air. On the palate, it is full-bodied, broad-shouldered and decidedly rich, with a core of concentrated fruit and still notable tannin adding grip through the finish.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, 94/100 (Jun 2013)

‘Dark red color. Explosive, assertive nose combines bitter cherry, licorice, wild herbs, white pepper and sweet tobacco. Extremely rich and thick on the palate, with outstanding depth of red fruit flavor and a persistent, sappy sweetness on the very long finish.’ – Josh Reynolds, Vinous, 93/100 (Jan 2006)