Domaine de la Mordorée Reine des Bois Châteaneuf-du-Pape 2018

Domaine de la Mordorée’s Reine des Bois Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 is a powerful yet refined red from one of the Rhône Valley’s most respected estates. Crafted from a classic southern Rhône blend dominated by old-vine Grenache, it delivers impressive depth, layered complexity and a structure built for aging. With 94 points from Falstaff and a reputation for consistency, this cuvée is a benchmark for modern, terroir-driven Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Reine des Bois shows a deep, dark ruby core with purple highlights and a slightly translucent rim that hints at its finesse. The bouquet is many-layered and expressive: lush black cherries and ripe blackberries are wrapped in notes of nougat caramel, sweet tobacco, and fine licorice, with a touch of dark plum and cocoa emerging as it opens in the glass. On the palate, the wine is juicy and vibrant, with a lively structure that balances richness and freshness. Ripe plums and dark berry fruit sit at the center, supported by firm yet velvety tannins and a savory undertone. The finish is long, echoing with dark chocolate, sweet spice and a gentle herbal nuance. Still youthful and tightly knit, this 2018 clearly “demands more time” and promises excellent aging potential over the next 10–15 years, gaining further complexity and polish with cellaring.

Production
Reine des Bois is sourced from some of Domaine de la Mordorée’s finest parcels in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, where old vines sink deep into a classic southern Rhône terroir of galets roulés (large rounded stones), sand and clay. These soils, combined with the Mistral wind and abundant sunshine, naturally limit yields and concentrate flavor. Grapes are typically harvested by hand at optimal ripeness, with strict sorting to ensure only pristine fruit makes it into the cuvée. Vinification follows a careful, parcel-by-parcel approach: traditional fermentation with controlled temperatures to preserve aromatic purity, followed by maturation in a mix of vessels (including barrels and larger foudres) that allows the wine’s power, complexity and elegance to harmonize without overwhelming it with oak.

Food & Serving
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a superb partner for rich, savory dishes such as slow-braised lamb shanks, roast beef with herbs, duck breast with a cherry or plum reduction, or game – venison, wild boar or hare. It also works beautifully with truffle-infused dishes, roasted root vegetables, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or aged Gouda. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) for optimal expression. Decanting for 1–2 hours in its youth helps soften the tannins and unlock the wine’s aromatic layers; more mature bottles can be decanted gently to remove sediment shortly before serving.

Producer
Domaine de la Mordorée, founded in 1986 by the Delorme family, has risen rapidly to become one of the Rhône Valley’s star estates, particularly acclaimed for its Lirac, Tavel and Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. Based in the southern Rhône, the domaine is known for meticulous vineyard work, low yields and a strong respect for biodiversity and the environment, which together yield wines of striking purity and concentration. Reine des Bois is the flagship label, regularly earning high scores and international recognition, and it has helped cement Mordorée’s reputation as a reference-point producer in the region, blending modern precision with a deep respect for Rhône tradition.

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