2021 Domaine de Marcoux Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is showing beautifully, displaying lively crushed violet, cranberry, red cherry, licorice and dried herb aromas. Full-bodied, elegant and fitted with velvety tannins, it is well-balanced by fresh acidity, closing with a long-lasting finish. As usual, it's a blend of very old vines from two parcels in Charbonnières and Les Esquirons. Only 4,000 bottles produced.

93-95 points Nicolas Greinacher for Vinous

The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a bigger, richer effort that shows the pure, vibrant style of the vintage beautifully. Black raspberries, spring flowers, sandalwood, and spicy Provençal notes all define the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied on the palate, with an ultra-fine, seamless mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and a great finish. Count me impressed. It's going to drink nicely in its youth yet also evolve for 15-20 years.

93-95 points Jeb Dunnuck

Domaine de Marcoux has long been regarded as one of the great names of Châteauneuf du Pape, with the Armenier family tending these historic vineyards for generations. Today Catherine Armenier and Sophie Estevenin continue the estate's biodynamic philosophy, producing wines of elegance, purity and remarkable expression that have helped define the modern reputation of the Southern Rhône.

The estate wine is drawn from a mosaic of vineyards planted across the appellation's famous galets roulés, sandy soils and limestone sites. Dominated by old vine Grenache with traditional Rhône varieties adding complexity, it captures the generosity, perfume and savoury character that make Châteauneuf du Pape one of the world's great red wine regions.

The colour is a deep ruby crimson with youthful purple highlights. Aromas of ripe cherry, black raspberry and plum mingle with wild thyme, lavender, liquorice and sweet spice. The palate is supple yet beautifully structured, layering vibrant red and dark berry fruits over silky tannins and fresh acidity. Hints of garrigue, cracked pepper and earthy minerality build through the long, harmonious finish, reflecting the pedigree of this celebrated estate.

A superb companion to slow roasted lamb, Provençal beef daube, duck with olives or wild mushroom ragout. Enjoy with a generous decant today or cellar confidently over the next fifteen to twenty years as further complexity develops.