Autard’s smallest production cuvée, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape Juline is made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was fermented and aged 20 months in new French oak barrels. My favorite in the lineup, it has a wonderfully complete, balanced and seamless style to go with tons of dark fruit, leafy herbs, mint and spice. Similar to the La Côte Ronde, yet slightly more polished and lively, it’s a smoking example of a modern styled Châteauneuf that remains balanced, Provençal and beautifully drinkable. It will have 15 years or more of longevity

Farming/winemaking practices: Jean Paul Autard’s vineyard practice aims to achieve a perfect balance between and soil and the vine. He is guided by the practice known as culture raisonnée. Autard does not need to green harvest because his vines average over 50 years of age (they are 40 to 96 year old). The vines’ age, together with the limited use of only organic fertilizer, naturally ensures low yields and concentrated, balanced fruit. No pesticides or chemical anti-rot products or fertilizers are used. The health of the vineyard is ensured by meticulous work by hand, such as the removal in May and June of unessential shoots and leaves that would block the proper aeration of the vines. Jean-Paul is able to eliminate the possibility of problems such as rot and mildew by not allowing humidity to remain on the grapes and leaves