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

Domaine de la Mordorée’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape “Reine des Bois” 2018 in magnum format is a commanding, ageworthy Rhône red that brings together power, finesse, and remarkable aromatic complexity. This cuvée is one of the estate’s flagships, consistently praised for its depth and precision, and the 2018 vintage is no exception, showing both immediate charm and serious cellaring potential. Bottled in 1.5L, it’s tailor‑made for long aging and special occasions, allowing the wine to evolve slowly and harmoniously.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2018 Reine des Bois shows a deep, dark ruby colour with violet highlights and a slightly lighter, almost watery rim that hints at its youth. The nose is many-layered and expressive: lush black cherries and ripe blackberries are wrapped in notes of nougat-like caramel, sweet tobacco, and a refined thread of licorice. As it opens, subtle floral tones and a touch of warm spice emerge, enhancing the wine’s sense of richness and detail. On the palate, this is succulent and energetic, with a lively structure framing a core of ripe plums and dark berry fruit. The texture is both full and finely knit, carried by ripe yet firm tannins that provide shape and tension rather than heaviness. Nuances of dark chocolate and spice linger on the long finish, adding a savoury, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet fruit. In magnum, the 2018 is still youthful and somewhat tightly coiled, clearly built for the long haul. It can be enjoyed now with a proper decant, but it promises significantly more complexity and polish with additional time in the cellar.

Production
Reine des Bois is sourced from some of Domaine de la Mordorée’s best parcels in Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape, where old vines sink deep roots into a classic mix of galets roulés (large rounded stones), sand, and clay. This mosaic of terroirs contributes both richness and freshness, helping the grapes reach full phenolic maturity while preserving balance. Grapes are harvested by hand with rigorous sorting to ensure only perfectly healthy, optimally ripe fruit makes it into the final cuvée. In the cellar, traditional southern Rhône methods are combined with careful temperature control: the grape varieties (dominated by Grenache with supporting Rhône grapes such as Syrah and Mourvèdre) are typically destemmed to a large extent, then fermented in tank to extract colour, aroma, and structure without harshness. Aging takes place in a mix of vessels (including larger oak), allowing the wine to gain complexity and texture while keeping the oak influence well-integrated and discreet.

Food & Serving
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a natural partner for rich, flavourful dishes: think slow-braised lamb shank with herbs, roasted duck with confit vegetables, venison or other game with blackberry jus, or a hearty Provençal daube. It also works beautifully with truffled dishes, mushroom ragout, and aged hard cheeses like Comté or mature Gouda. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to show both its fruit and its spice; in warmer rooms, a brief chill is preferable to serving it too warm. In magnum and at this youthful stage, a generous decant of 1–2 hours is recommended to help the wine unfold its aromatic layers and soften the tannins.

Producer
Domaine de la Mordorée is one of the Rhône Valley’s most respected estates, known for its meticulous viticulture and consistently high-performing wines across appellations such as Lirac, Tavel, and Châteauneuf‑du‑Pape. Founded in the late 20th century, the domaine rapidly built a reputation for precision, concentration, and elegance, often earning top scores and international recognition for its cuvées. Working with low yields, careful vineyard management, and a strong respect for terroir, Mordorée has become a benchmark producer in the southern Rhône, demonstrating just how refined, complex, and long-lived Grenache‑based blends from this region can be.

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