Château Fortia is not a winery that chases good press on a whim. These are consistent, classic wines that faithfully represent the region’s terroir year after year. The Cuvée du Baron, which combines 50% Grenache, 35% Syrah, and 15% Mourvedre, was created in the memory of the Domaine’s founder, Baron Le Roy de Boiseaumarie. The wine was first released in 2001.

The wine went through a long, cool fermentation in small lots by varietal, then aged 18 months in old oak foudres prior to bottling. Deep garnet-purple in colour, this is a wine with a dense, complex nose and notes of plum and cassis and garrigue on a medium-bodied palate. This is a wine you can enjoy now or cellar for several years.

“This blockbuster packs a lot of power and stuffing, with a generous outpouring of black raspberry ganache, dark cherry and licorice. Savory acidity and an herbal thread weaves through while chalky tannins and notes of toasty apple wood, cast iron and smoked meat echo on the finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2035. 8,000 cases made, 800 cases imported.”
94 points, Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator, November 2023

“The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Du Baron, which has not been bottled yet, should be terrific. It offers classic Southern Rhône goodness in its red and black fruits as well as notes of leather, peppery herbs, and underbrush. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it brings solid purity of fruit, lots of tannins, and outstanding length. The blend is 45% each of Grenache and Syrah, with the balance Mourvedre.”
92-94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, November 2022

“Deep ruby in colour with purple reflections and a broad and bright ochre rim. On the nose, delicate hints of liquorice with dark forest berries, floral notes, a touch of fine tobacco and savoury herbal aromas in the background. The palate is juicy with pronounced, mellow tannins, hints of cassis, subtle spiciness, and nougat on the finish. A classic style that will benefit from further ageing.”
93 points, Peter Moser, Falstaff, April 2023