2015 Chateau Fortia Cuvee du Baron Chateauneuf du Pape 750 ml

By the Glass at Daniel or by the Bottle From Wine Access

Today’s stunning Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from one of the most treasured properties in the Southern Rhône appellation, home to hallowed tradition and gnarled old vines. Wine Spectator calls the Syrah-heavy 2015 Château Fortia Cuvée du Baron “solid” and “juicy” and that’s a good start. Full-bodied, boasting spicy black fruit, alluring purple florals and herbs de Provence notes — it hits all the marks of Spectator’s 97-point dream vintage in the Southern Rhône. I’ve seen this 2015 on the menu at Daniel Boulud’s Michelin-starred Midtown masterpiece, Daniel, offered by the glass. If you wait for weeks for a reservation, you could order a bottle of this opulent, lip-smacking black-fruited gem off the Daniel wine list. Or you could have a Michelin-starred experience at home for just $36.99 per bottle today — only on Wine Access. Just 30 cases are up for grabs, so be vigilant.

Dating back to 1763, Château Fortia is a legend in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, both for its location and its close link to the birth of the appellation. Thanks to the efforts of Château Fortia’s famous leader, Baron Pierre Le Roy de Boiseaumarié, in 1929 Châteauneuf-du-Pape became the first appellation in France with both geographic and winemaking regulations.

Located near the village center of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Fortia’s 75 acres of vineyards are planted on diverse soils of sand, clay, limestone and galet stones. The grapes are manually harvested, 100% destemmed, and vinified in both stainless steel and concrete vats; the wines are aged in large oak foudre from 12 to 18 months.

Jonathan Cristaldi
Editor-in-Chief, Wine Access