Rotem & Mounir Saouma, Magis, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2014

94
Tasted by: Andrew Jefford
(at Vieux Bouigard, 15 Apr 2018)
Drinking Window: 2018 - 2028
Light gold in colour, this has a rich, mealy yet pretty scent of forest mushrooms, flowers and crushed seeds. The palate is soft, chewy, gourmand and gratifying, full of late-summer allusions. This generous, dense and reverberative mouthful has a gathered force which contrives to suggest freshness despite the rich, layered style. A white Châteauneuf entirely unafraid of its own nature.
98
Tasted by: Matt Walls
(at Rhône Valley, 30 Sep 2021)
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2040
Strongly marked by stuck-match reduction and smoky bacon, it's fresh and somehow salty on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, this is not overly fat or rich, but distinctly mineral. It finishes bright, like quartz glinting in the sun. I love the breadth on the palate, followed by the brisk tightening up on the finish. This is not a typical Châteauneuf; it's not as fat and rich as many, and it's saltier. It's a brilliant wine. Fermented then aged for two years in Jupilles oak barrels with occasional stirring. Not pumped, fined, filtered or racked. Predominantly Grenache Blanc with Clairette, Bourboulenc and Roussanne.
Rotem & Mounir Saouma, Magis, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, 2014
Producer
Rotem & Mounir Saouma
Brand
Magis
Vintage
2014
Wine Type
Still
Colour
White
Country
France
Region
Appellation
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Sweetness
Dry
Closure
Cork
Alcohol
14.00%
Body
Full
Oak
Lightly Oaked
Grapes
Grenache Blanc / Garnacha Blanca