Established 1933
We Started When Prohibition Ended
The Chante-Perdrix domaine was established by Etienne Pécoul in 1896. Guy and Frédéric Nicolet, the third and fourth generations, now manage the 45 acre domaine. The vines, with an average age of 45 years, are located in the southern quarter of the appellation zone, planted on gravels from the Rhone river. The vineyard is about 80% Grenache, with the rmainder split among Syrah, Mourvèdre and Muscardin. After an entirely manual harvest and a strict sorting, the grapes are put in cement tanks to undergo traditional vinification over 15 days. Once the process of fermentation is finished, the wine is transferred into large oak vats for a period of one and half to two years. It is then bottled, and will continue to develop for a minimum of three to five years. Reviews Robert Parker 90 Points The 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape is an outstanding effort. Upfront, evolved notes of spring flowers, sweet licorice, blueberry, and boysenberry aromas emerge from this dark ruby/plum-tinged wine. Like many 2007s, the fruit character is prominent, and the wine is seductive, lush, opulent, and best consumed over the next 7-8 years. Wine Spectator 91 Points Round, solid and juicy, with an ample core of red currant, crushed plum and boysenberry notes laced with spice, roasted vanilla and licorice. The long finish stays fresh and focused. Drink now through 2019. 500 cases imported.–JM Medium red. Alluring aromas of spicy red berries, lavender, minerals and Asian spices. Smells a lot like pinot noir, and tastes like it too. Fresh strawberry and raspberry flavors are given spine by zesty minerals and pick up candied flowers with air. This sexy wine will probably be drinkable on release.
Domaine Chante-Perdrix
Chateauuneuf du Pape
International Wine Cellar 90 Points
Sale Price
$27.99
This has a complex, deep and fascinating nose of tar, grilled meat, blackberry and plum. Full-bodied, with gorgeous fruit and velvety tannins. Finishes with wonderful multi-layers of character, from clove and meat to coffee and berries. 1,665 cases made. 93 Wine Spectator 
Podere Il Castagno
Syrah Cortona
Sergio Dionisio bought this piece of land in the early 1970s, in the hope of preserving a "corner of paradise," and creating wine that enhances the natural vocation for farming the land of the vineyard. The property, now run by Sergio's son, Fabrizio, includes an olive grove in addition to the vineyard, and it sits about 1,640 feet above sea level (500 meters) on the hills facing Cortona. A second piece of land was added to Il Castagno's property in 1992 when another farm, also on the hills facing Cortona, was purchased. The two farms, in total, provide 15 hectares of vines.
Convinced that by focusing on very small volumes of grapes and operating with great care and vigor in both the vineyard and winery, Il Castagno will produce only top-notch wines, the vineyards are kept to a strict regiment, as cultivation is done by hand and the harvest collected manually, using small boxes and crushing the grapes in vinified, temperature-controlled steel containers.
$31.99