Domaine du Galet des Papes is located in the village of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Jean-Luc Mayard started in 1976 but the Cellar was built by his Grand Father. He works with his wine and his daughter, Blandine.
Date Founded: 1976
The Family MAYARD, a Chateauneuf-du-Pape native, already owned a property at the time of Napoléon III.
The 2nd generation, Lucien MAYARD, undertakes to grow vines on the lands inherited from his father.
The 3rd generation, Marius MAYARD and Fernand MAYARD. Fernand, brother of Marius and uncle of Roger, built the winery in 1929.
The 4th generation, Roger MAYARD, married to Alice MERLE, owned some additionnal lands, starts the bottling and develops commercialization.
The 5th generation, in 1976, when Jean-Luc MAYARD, the son, takes the succession "Domaine Roger MAYARD" becomes "Domaine Roger MAYARD & Fils".
When his father Roger MAYARD retires, the "Domaine" is then called : "Domaine Mayard Jean-Luc".
In 1990 the Domaine becomes "Domaine du Galet des Papes". It symbolises the prestigious synthesis of our vineyard, spread with big rolled pebbles.
The 6th generation, Blandine MAYARD, after seven years of studies and work experiences about the different stapes of the vineyard and the wine, installs to the Domaine in 2012 !
The Estate is 13.9 hectares in size. 13 of them are within the Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC (12 hecatres for the red and 1 hectare for the white), the rest (0.9 hectare) is Cotes-du-Rhone AOC.
They have 22 different parcels.
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The Tempest was one of the first wines, and the first Proprietary Blend, we produced. At the time, it seemed almost uncanny that we were able to access three grape varietals at the same time from the same vineyard; it was blind luck or perhaps the proverbial “perfect storm.” The resulting wine reflected a fierce determination to brave the storm as well as a new desire to realize the possibilities of Merlot. The Tempest is still made with outstanding grapes, from vineyards such as Blair in Calistoga and cooler sites like Farella and Orchard. Predominantly Merlot with lesser amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon depending on vintage, The Tempest is a roiling cauldron of fresh red and blue fruit and silky tannins – a wine that shows what Merlot can be in the right hands, from the right vineyards.
Red fruit; silky tannins; more approachable in its youth
Nickel & Nickel Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The 2023 Nickel & Nickel Truchard Chardonnay opens with enticing aromatics of tropical fruit, tangerine, and a hint of honeysuckle. On the palate, it presents a bright and vibrant profile, with a natural lift from its fresh fruit flavors and lively acidity. The tropical and citrus notes are complemented by a subtle brioche character, while the oak imparts a pleasant roundness, bringing balance and weight to the wine.
Review:
The freshness and pure fruit flavors of this generous wine ring clear as a bell. Crisp green apples, Bosc pears and subtle oak spices like vanilla bean and toasted almonds fill the palate. While medium-bodied, it feels full and generous and has a lingering finish. Drink now or hold.
-James Suckling 94 Points
Winemaker Joe Harden ages his Truchard Vineyard Chardonnay for 10 months in 30% new French oak, with minimal stirring and no malolactic fermentation, allowing for a slightly more pronounced oak presence. Truchard, one of Carneros' most esteemed sites, is characterised by rolling hills with ideal sun exposure and cooling breezes. Harden sources fruit from eight distinct blocks across the vineyard’s expansive 109 hectares, with harvests spanning roughly a month. Among the selections is Clone 809, a Muscat clone that adds floral aromatics and a touch of baking spice. The Truchard Chardonnay exhibits a silky texture on the palate, layered with citrus peel and tropical hints of apricot and peach. A rich spine of acidity is further heightened by vivid mineral tension, creating a wine that is both racy and rich. Elegantly balanced, it’s a delightful sipper with impressive depth and vibrancy.
-Decanter 94 Points