Domaine de la Mordorée Reine des Bois Châteaneuf-du-Pape 2016 MG

Domaine de la Mordorée’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Reine des Bois” 2016 in magnum format is a monumental southern Rhône red, built for both hedonistic pleasure and long-term aging. This is the estate’s flagship cuvée, sourced from old-vine parcels in some of the appellation’s most revered lieux-dits, and crafted in a style that marries depth, richness and superb finesse. The larger 1.5 L bottle format further enhances its aging potential, making it an ideal choice for collectors and special occasions.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2016 La Reine des Bois shows a deep, opaque ruby to garnet hue, with a striking intensity that hints at its concentration. The nose is richly expressive and layered: ripe blueberries and black cherries intertwine with notes of black licorice, cracked pepper, Mexican chocolate, and a subtle smokiness, all wrapped in fine Provençal garrigue (thyme, rosemary, and lavender). On the palate, this wine is full-bodied and powerful, yet remarkably refined. The texture is dense and velvety, with ripe, structuring tannins that have already begun to integrate beautifully. Flavors of dark berry compote, cocoa, licorice, and warm spice unfold slowly, carried by vibrant energy and a remarkable, persistent finish that seems to go on and on. The 30% oak has been completely absorbed into the wine’s core, adding polish without overshadowing the fruit. In magnum, this 2016 has excellent aging potential; it will continue to evolve gracefully for at least 12–20 years from the vintage, developing more savory, truffle and leather nuances over time.

Production
La Reine des Bois is sourced primarily from old-vine Grenache (around 80%), complemented by classic southern Rhône varieties such as Mourvèdre and Syrah, grown in some of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s most prized terroirs, including the famed La Crau and La Nerthe sites. Here, a mix of galets roulés (large round stones), sand, and clay soils, together with the region’s sun-drenched Mediterranean climate and the cooling Mistral wind, yields grapes of great concentration and balance. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, with rigorous sorting to ensure only perfectly healthy fruit enters the cellar. Vinification is traditionally minded with a modern precision: long, temperature-controlled fermentations to extract color, aroma and fine tannins, followed by élevage partly in oak barrels and partly in neutral vessels. Around 30% of the wine sees oak, which has been fully integrated into the 2016, contributing structure and complexity without overt woodiness.

Food & Serving
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a natural partner for rich, savory dishes and roasted meats: think slow-braised lamb shoulder with herbs, duck confit, roasted venison, beef short ribs, or a classic daube Provençale. It also shines alongside aged hard cheeses, game birds, and dishes seasoned with Mediterranean herbs and warm spices. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to showcase both freshness and depth. In its youth, especially from magnum, decanting for 1.5–3 hours is highly recommended to fully unfurl the wine’s aromatic complexity and soften the tannins; more mature bottles may need a gentler, shorter decant mainly to remove any sediment.

Producer
Domaine de la Mordorée, founded in 1986 by the Delorme family, has rapidly become one of the Rhône Valley’s reference estates, particularly in Lirac, Tavel, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The domaine is known for meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and a philosophy that emphasizes both terroir expression and precision in the cellar. Over the years, La Reine des Bois has garnered critical acclaim and helped establish Mordorée as a benchmark for powerful yet finely detailed southern Rhône wines. Their commitment to sustainable, often organic-leaning practices and an unwavering focus on quality have made the estate a key name for enthusiasts seeking top-tier Rhône reds with serious aging potential.

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