Domaine de Marcoux
About Domaine de Marcoux
Sisters Sophie and Catherine Armenier can trace their familial connection to this region of France back over 1,000 years. Their ancestors called the Southern Rhône home when their surname was the middle-French "Armani", and long before Châteauneuf-du-Pape was known by this name.
Despite their presence in the area for so many centuries, it was actually only the sisters themselves who began winemaking at their ancestral Domaine de Marcoux in 1989. Now taking full advantage of their holdings which consist of vines at an average of 50 years old, this beautiful estate has seen a rapid and meteoric rise to the upper echelons of the region, joining many producers who have had a 500 year head start!
Today, Sophie diligently runs the commercial aspect of the estate whilst Catherine masterminds the winemaking. With 25 hectares in total under vine, 18 of which are in the heart of the prime Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir of La Crau, the sisters consistently release some of the most sought after wines each and every vintage. Certified as organic by Ecocert as early as 1991, they celebrate 30 years of following rigorous organic and then biodynamic principles.
Most usually a blend dominated by at least 80% Grenache, a mere 2,400 cases of this estate's hotly demanded Châteauneuf-du-Pape are produced every vintage.
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(1x150cl) 2019Vinous (94)
Bright ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented aromas of raspberry and cherry liqueur, incense and pungent flowers are accompanied by a smoky mineral nuance that builds in the glass. Deep-pitched yet impressively lively as well, offering intense red and dark berry liqueur and floral pastille flavors that stain the palate and show superb clarity and minerally lift. Closes extremely long, focused and lively, with silky tannins framing the wine’s sweet fruit. This is about as good as a "basic" Châteauneuf gets.$242.00 -
(12x75cl) 2001Vinous (95)
Dark red. Extravagant, superripe nose combines strawberry, raspberry, roasted game, gingerbread and molasses. Huge and dense, with powerful extract and compellingly sweet strawberry, raspberry and spice flavors. Full-blown Chateauneuf that almost magically maintains its freshness and balance. Like a solid on the slow-mounting, compellingly sweet aftertaste. This has blossomed spectacularly since I tasted it in barrel last November.$2,100.00 -
(1x75cl) 2012Wine Spectator (96)
Offers a deep well of succulent, fleshy fig, boysenberry, plum and raspberry fruit, while notes of fruitcake, red licorice and singed apple wood remain prominent. Long, dense, poised and polished through the finish, this has finely beaded acidity and perfectly inlaid tannins to let everything come together in the cellar. A stunner, presenting a combination of depth, breadth and poise. Best from 2016 through 2035.$119.00 -
(6x75cl) 2017Vinous (97)
Vivid magenta. Seductive raspberry liqueur, exotic spice, potpourri and incense aromas, along with hints of musky rhubarb and smoky minerals. Juicy, seamless and energetic in style, offering densely packed red fruit, cherry cola, spicecake and floral pastille flavors that show superb delineation and spread out steadily as the wine opens up. Fine-grained, even tannins lend shape to a strikingly persistent, penetrating finish that shows intense red-fruit- and spice-driven tenacity. This wine is a standout of the vintage.$787.00 -
Vinous (97)
Saturated ruby. A heady, impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied flowers, garrigue and incense, along with exotic spice and mineral notes that build with air. Utterly stains the palate with vibrant raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, licorice and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. Polished tannins add gentle grip to the strikingly long, floral-dominated finish, which shows no rough edges.$1,755.00 -
Vinous (97)
Saturated ruby. A heady, impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied flowers, garrigue and incense, along with exotic spice and mineral notes that build with air. Utterly stains the palate with vibrant raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, licorice and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. Polished tannins add gentle grip to the strikingly long, floral-dominated finish, which shows no rough edges.$848.00
