Review Chateau Senechaux Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2001

90+ points

Southern Rhone, France (14%)

This was one of the most satisfying wines I had last (English) summer. Really pure fruit, which I saw one reviewer comparing with Flagey-Echezaux. Yes, it might be (predominantly) grenache, but there is nothing stewed, fruit-cakey or confected. Tannin is low but acidity surprisingly good.

This is not a wine that is about complexity but screams about the great fruit and balance in
the Rhone in 2001.

Re-tried on a winter evening it was just as satisfying and fairly much into full balance with an extra 6 mths. This is still available at BBR in London for £15. With several other 2001 Rhones still available I would encourage people to snap them up before paying more for the (possibly) not as good 2003's.

Post by Roger Palmer