Cristia, Chateauneuf Du Pape Renaissance Brut Zero Tasted blind at the Southwold

Tasted blind at the Southwold Bordeaux tasting

graphite and bristling tannins

If you have the patience to wait at least 7 to 8 years

(this was partially raised in concrete egg-shaped tanks and the rest in stainless steel)

000-liter tonels of varying ages and comes in at 14% alcohol

Cristia, Chateauneuf Du Pape Renaissance Brut Zero Tasted blind at the SouthwoldDeeper, inkier and more concentrated than the classic cuvee, the 2007 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Renaissance checks in as 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah, with the Grenache aged in concrete and the Mourvedre and Syrah in demi muids (some new). Offering up notes of graphite, cassis, chocolate, crushed flowers and tobacco, it's a sexy, voluptuous example of this cuvee that has sensational concentration, sweet tannin and a blockbuster finish.