DOMAINE JEAN ROYER
This small estate (just over 12 acres) is run by the Royer family, who can trace its origins in Chateauneuf du Pape back to the 1800's. However, they have only been estate bottling their wines since the mid-eighties. As the following notes indicate, these are very high quality, artisanal wines made with assistance from consultant Philippe Cambie. All of the vineyards are located in the southern sectors of Chateauneuf du Pape known as Bois de la Ville and Les Grandes Serres, the latter being one of the sources for the superb wines from Isabel Ferrando’s St.-Prefert Chateauneuf du Papes. Both the 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape and 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige are good efforts for this vintage. - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
The Royer family has a century old past as winegrowers in Chateauneuf du Pape. The father of Jean-Marie Royer died when Jean-Marie was a child and for some years all the their land was let out to other Vignerons. As a young man Jean Royer helped his Grandmother in her small vineyards and when she died he inherited a small part of her fields.
In 1985, having finished his viticulture schooling, Jean-Marie returned to the family vineyards and over the years he has bought more land from the family and today he owns 6 ha. with 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah/Mourvedre. The grandmother's cellars in the town are too small to produce and age the wines and so far Jean-Marie Royer has rented cellars to the south of the town. It varies which cuvées Jean-Marie Royer decides to make. In the vintages 2001, 2006 and 2007 he made a cuvée of 100% Syrah, not because the Syrah in these vintages was especially good but because the Grenache was so good it did not need any addition of Syrah. If the vintage is very good he makes Cuvée Hommage a mon Père. So far, 2001 and 2007 are the only vintages.
Jean-Marie Royer is a good friend (from the rugby period) of the oenolog Philippe Cambie and works closely together with him. He was one of the first clients of Phillippe Cambie, when he came to Chateauneuf du Pape
Wines Offered
Domaine Jean Royer Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition 2007 - WS 90 points, WA 90 points BUY »
