Whilst this small estate is relatively new to estate bottling (first vintage 2003) in the list of producers of Chateauneuf, the Barrot family that owns these 12.5 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape have been established in the village since about 1400. The average age of the vines at La Barroche is 60 years old and one third of the vineyards are more than 100 years old (Grenache). Most of the vineyards of the estate are located in the north and north-east of the appellation with just a few plots located close to the town of Chateauneuf-du-Pape on the southern side.

The tiny production 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Pure is all Grenache brought up in a single foudre. It's slightly lighter-hued than the base cuvée (which is normal) and offers a heavenly perfume of black cherries, kirsch liqueur, roasted garrigue, Asian spices, licorice, and graphite. This carries to a full-bodied Châteauneuf du Pape revealing remarkable elegance and purity, ultra-fine tannins, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. I'm not sure it has the same level of grandeur as the 2019, but it’s not far off, and time will tell. Regardless, this beauty has everything you could want in a great wine: richness, power, elegance, and complexity. It's a true “Wow” wine in every regard and will shine for 15-20 years. Date: Nov 2022; Rating: 98 Points; Jeb Dunnuck

Although this smells of baked black fruits, it is all the other aromas that make it so amazing: hot dry earth, grilled bread, Mediterranean herbs and a whole range of spices. Even better, it has wonderful vitality on the very concentrated palate, thanks to the beautifully crafted tannin structure. What fascinating complexity and energy at the very sensual finish. Drinkable now, but best from 2025. Date: Apr 2023; Rating: 96 Points; James Suckling

Tasted from its single foudre, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Pure looks to be another great vintage for this cuvée. Full-bodied, supple and richly textured, it features vibrant blackberry fruit this year, accented by hints of dried spices and brighter-than-normal acids, which give it a slightly edgy quality and a long, briny/salted licorice finish. Date: May 2022; Drink: 2023-2035; Rating: 94-96 Points; Joe Czerwinski; Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate