2020 Domaine de Ferrand Châteauneuf-du-Pape, FRANCE. 750ml
Although only a few will ever get to enjoy these wines as the domaine is very small (only 5 ½ ha in Châteauneuf du Pâpe and 10 in Côtes du Rhône, which over half is on vines approaching 100 years old) they are well worth the hunt.
All the vines are situated in the lieu-dit Chemin Saint Jean, the same Northern holy grail as Charvin, Beaucastel, Marcoux and La Vieille Julienne.
Current custodian Philippe Bravay uses organic growing techniques and limits yields severely (his Côtes du Rhône yields less than 2 tonnes to the acre, and the Châteauneuf du Pâpe much less) vinification is traditional: open top fermenters, basket presses, and cement cuves.