Isabel Ferrando is a Chateauneuf-du-Pape superstar (at both her eponymous domaine and managing Domaine Saint Prefert) and one with whom Seckford is delighted to be working. Most of Isabel's vines are planted south of Orange, towards Avignon. Saint Prefert's wines are traditional with no destemming and matured in cement tanks. However, the domaine is modern in its bottling of multiple cuvees, all very different from each other.
The Chateauneuf-du-Pape Classique comes from younger vines and is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre & Cinsault. The Auguste Favier is a delightful blend of Grenache & Cinsault; while Collection Charles Giraud has 40% Mourvedre that adds dark-fruit power and spicy, savoury tannins. Isabel's own estate Colombis is an elegant, succulent wine from 100% Grenache grown on the north (cooler) side of the appellation.
The Cotes du Rhone is a blend of 85% Grenache & 15% Cinsault and is a perfect introduction to Isabel’s wonderful wine-making. The 2018 is now gorgeous drinking - we're regularly opening bottles at home!
"...the smart money will be chasing the regular bottlings of red & white Châteauneuf du Pape. The Côtes du Rhône is almost as good."
Wine Advocate (Sept'20)
2018 Cotes du Rhone, Clos Beatus Ille
£75 per 6 bottles IB
92pts James Suckling
A very fresh array of red berries and ripe cherries with a wealth of succulent and supple fruit that delivers a sweetly spicy and juicy impression on the fresh and supple finish.
2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Classique
£148 per 6 bottles IB
92pts Wine Advocate (drink to 2030)
The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is a terrific effort from this variable vintage, loaded with rich, ripe flavors of red and purple raspberries, black cherries and oodles of Provençal herbs. It's full-bodied and nearly creamy in texture, with silky tannins that make a subtle appearance on the licorice-tinged finish. Looking even more concentrated and structured than last year, it should drink well for at least a decade.
2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Classique
£148 per 6 bottles IB
92pts Wine Advocate (drink to 2030)
With slightly more pronounced tannins than most vintages, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape should be set aside for a year or two and then consumed over the following decade. It offers fresh, vibrant blackberry and blueberry flavors, a full-bodied, velvety-textured palate and a long, tannic finish tinged with orange zest.
2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier
£220 per 6 bottles IB
94-96 Points (Wine Advocate)
This cuvée is always on the perfumed side, as it usually includes a fair dose of Cinsault. The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier is 85% Grenache and a full 15% Cinsault, and while it delivers darker fruit flavors than the regular cuvée, it also blends in floral, garrigue-like notes with the ripe black cherries. Full-bodied and silky, it should drink well on release and for at least a decade after that.
2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc, St Prefert
£195 per 6 bottles IB
95 Points (Jeb Dunnuck)
One of the whites of the vintage is the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, a gorgeous, rich, layered effort that stays perfectly balanced and pure. Classic notes of white flowers, honeysuckle, white peach, and ample minerality all give way to a medium to full-bodied white that has loads of texture, good freshness, and a great finish. This is a brilliant Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc that makes a mockery of so many of the overly lean, fresh, so called elegant whites being produced today.