A true rarity from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, as this cuvée is produced almost exclusively from the mourvèdre grape (with a few drops of grenache added). By the way, Tintot is the Provencal name for mourvèdre.
The Chaussy family has parcels in the northernmost part of the châteauneuf zone (Bois Lauzon and Palestor) with almost 100-year-old, extremely low-yielding mourvèdre vines, standing on clay soil with a top layer of the well-known pebbles, galets roulés.
The debut vintage was 2006, and the satisfaction was so great that Tintot is now routinely produced as an independent (top) cuvée, when the quality of the mourvèdre grapes otherwise warrants it. The wine, like the rest of the house’s wines, has been organically certified since 2012.
The grapes are de-stemmed before maceration with natural fermentation in concrete tanks, after which the wine is aged for a good year, mostly in concrete tanks with a small proportion of the wine aged in ancient oak barrels.
Mas de Boislauzon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tintot presents itself – quite as one would expect – very young; saturated with black, gloomy fruit, well-hung flesh and a deep minerality with equal parts garrique and backelite as well as slightly floral undertones. The concentration is m-a-s-s-i-v, and the potent fruit is covered by firm tannins that complete the experience of a real ‘man’s wine’.
Tintot is only drunk young if you need a big ‘wine fist’ for the massive structure and the grape’s antioxidant character gives it a huge potential for aging. If we say 20-25 years in a good cellar, then we have in all probability set the bar very low!
Enjoy the wine, served at approx. 17° for intense simmering food and rustic roasts.
99 points Jeb Dunnuck
“Very dark in the glass, this is soft and flowing with an earthy fragrance. Packed full of flavor and pliable, gentle tannin. The only minor stumble is the warming alcohol on the finish, but this is a big, driving, humming expression of Mourvèdre, with great depth and length. The estate’s Mourvède cuvée, grown on galets roulés and sand in lieux-dits Boislauzon and Palestor, fermented in concrete then aged in concrete and old barriques. Drinking Window 2026 – 2040.” (MW) (10/2020)
97 points Decanter
“The Mourvèdre-dominated (there’s 15% Grenache) 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Tintot reveals a dense purple hue as well as a gorgeous bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, cured meats, toasted spice, and peppery garrigue. Deep, full-bodied, and concentrated, it has a flawless mid-palate, ripe, building tannins, and a great, great finish. Aged 90% in concrete tanks and 10% in very old barrels, it ranks with the finest examples of Mourvèdre in the appellation and would easily stand beside Beaucastel’s famed Hommage a Jacques Perrin! Well done!” (11/2021)
