Domaine de la Mordorée Reine des Bois Châteaneuf-du-Pape 2019

Domaine de la Mordorée’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape “La Reine des Bois” 2019 is a powerful, cellar-worthy red for enthusiasts who appreciate depth, structure, and refinement. This cuvée blends 80% Grenache with 10% Mourvèdre and 5% each of Syrah and Vaccarèse to deliver a wine that is both opulent and impeccably built for aging. A modern benchmark in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it carries the estate’s signature richness while remaining true to the historic character of the southern Rhône.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2019 La Reine des Bois is deep ruby to garnet with an almost opaque core, hinting at its concentration and youth. The nose is intense and layered, revealing notes of ripe black and red cherries, dark plum, and crushed berries, interwoven with mocha, vanilla, cocoa, and a touch of sweet spice. Subtle hints of garrigue (thyme, rosemary, and lavender), licorice, and warm earth add complexity as the wine opens. On the palate, this is full-bodied, dense, and firmly structured, with ripe, velvety tannins supporting a core of concentrated dark fruit. Flavors of black cherry, blackberry compote, and kirsch are complemented by nuances of chocolate, espresso, baking spices, and a faint mineral edge. The finish is long, polished, and silky, with lingering notes of mocha and cherry. While already seductive in its richness, the wine’s backbone and tension suggest excellent aging potential; it should evolve beautifully over 10–20 years from vintage, gaining further complexity and harmony.

Production
The grapes for La Reine des Bois come from carefully tended parcels in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, rooted in classic southern Rhône terroir of galets roulés (large rounded stones), sand, and clay over limestone. These well-drained soils, combined with the region’s warm Mediterranean climate and the mistral wind, promote healthy, concentrated fruit. Domaine de la Mordorée farms with great attention to detail, using low yields and hand-harvesting at optimal ripeness, with strict sorting of the grapes in the vineyard and at the winery. Vinification typically involves gentle extraction, partial destemming (depending on the vintage), and temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve fruit purity and aromatic intensity. The wine is then aged in a mix of vats, foudres, and barrels (with a restrained use of new oak) to polish the tannins and add complexity without overwhelming the natural character of the fruit.

Food & Serving
This Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a superb match for rich, flavorful dishes such as slow-braised lamb shank, roasted duck, venison, or beef short ribs. It also pairs beautifully with game birds, truffle-infused dishes, wild mushroom ragouts, and mature hard cheeses like aged Comté or Manchego. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to showcase the wine’s aromatics and texture. For current drinking, decanting for 1–2 hours is recommended to soften the structure and allow the bouquet to fully unfold; as it ages, a shorter decant to remove sediment and gently aerate the wine will be sufficient.

Producer
Domaine de la Mordorée is a highly respected family estate based in the southern Rhône, best known for elevating the quality and reputation of appellations like Tavel, Lirac, and Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Founded in the late 20th century, the domaine has become a reference point in the region through meticulous vineyard work, low yields, and a philosophy that marries tradition with a precise, modern touch in the cellar. Often working organically or with sustainable practices, they strive to express the individuality of each terroir while maintaining a clear house style of concentration, purity, and balance. Over the years, Domaine de la Mordorée has earned critical acclaim and a loyal following among collectors, with cuvées like La Reine des Bois now considered among the standout wines of the southern Rhône.

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