MCF Rare Wine

A Killer Châteauneuf for This Summer and Beyond:
Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

The Domaine de Ferrand Côtes-du-Rhône Syrah La Ferrande has become a favorite at the shop over the last couple of years both for us and for our customers. Matt and I first tasted it on a rainy day in Spring 2017 and I still can easily recall that first whiff from the glass. It was a showstopper. It's a bit of an oddity, being 100% Syrah from the Southern Rhone, but it encompasses both the savory and aromatic elements of the North and the darker, fuller flavors of the South.

Today I am quite pleased to now introduce you to the Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016. This is the first vintage we've carried the Châteauneuf from Ferrand and wow, 'showstopper' is a term that I am quite comfortable using for this bottle as well. Just as with the Syrah, the nose grabs you right away. Floral, dark-fruited, smoky, herbaceous. This is one of those wines that smells so fantastic that it immediately forces you to slow down. You think, "I could just sit here all day sniffing this one; I don't even have to drink." But then you sip. And you get to the palate and that wonderful texture, elegance, energy, supple richness and spice lead you into a long and graceful finish. You may have to resynchronize your watch at this point because I'm pretty sure time actually stops for a just a second or two for the drinker who is taking this all in. 

2016 is a stellar vintage in the Châteauneuf region and this gem from Philippe Bravay accentuates all of its best aspects in its combination of generosity and freshness. Here you have a tremendous wine that is showing out of the gate but there is also great structure and fine tannins lurking underneath all that initial pleasure that promises a tantalizing decade or so to come. This bottle is an excellent choice to break out for a special meal this summer (a steak on the grill comes to mind) and it will also do you very nicely through this fall and winter and well beyond. At $57/bottle, this is a bottle that stands up to any other Châteauneuf in the vintage and beats most of them on price as well. Stock up while you can!

You may order by replying to this message, or calling either 732.675.4623 or 212.255.8870.

Chris Conway

MCF Rare Wine, Ltd

249 West 13th Street NYC 10014

732.675.4623