2014 Gerard Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone

85% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse and 5% Syrah, with an average vine age of over 60 years. 100% whole bunch fermented in concrete tanks with extraction via remontage (pump-overs) for about 3 weeks, followed by 21 months maturation in concrete cuves. Bottled unfiltered.

‘Brilliant ruby-red. Powerful raspberry, floral pastille and Asian spice aromas show outstanding clarity and vivacity. Energetic flavors of red fruit preserves and lavender are given spine and definition by zesty minerality. The floral and red fruit notes carry strongly through a clinging, sharply focused finish framed by smooth, slow-building tannins. This wine is shaping up to be a classic Charvin rendition of Châteauneuf, displaying abundant upfront fruit along with the depth and balance to ensure a long, graceful evolution.’

(94-95) points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, April 2016.