2022 Ch de Nalys Saintes Pierres Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge, Rhone Valley

Showing beautifully, the 2022 Chateauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys sports a ruby, mostly translucent hue as well as notes of framboise, peppery garrigue, damp flowers, hints of licorice, and a beautiful rocky minerality. It's medium to full-bodied, graceful, and balanced, with ripe, polished tannins and a great finish. Based on 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, it was raised mostly in foudre with 20% in barrel. Drink this gorgeous Châteauneuf-du-Pape over the coming 10-12 years. Drink 2026-2037.

94 points jebdunnuck.com

There is something deeply comforting about a proper Châteauneuf du Pape and this soulful release from Château de Nalys captures that feeling beautifully. The estate itself is one of the historic jewels of the appellation with vineyard roots stretching back to the 1500s, now thoughtfully guided by the legendary Guigal family who have brought renewed energy and precision while respecting tradition. Fruit for Saintes Pierres comes from a mosaic of classic sites scattered across the appellation, those famous sun soaked galets roulés and sandy clay parcels shaping a wine that feels both generous and grounded in place. Grenache leads the conversation with support from Syrah and Mourvèdre, delivering a style that is warm, expressive and unmistakably southern Rhône.

A rich ruby glow in the glass hints at what follows. Fragrant waves of ripe raspberry, black cherry and plum mingle with dried thyme, lavender, cracked pepper and a gentle dusting of cocoa. There is a lovely savoury edge too, that whisper of warm earth and garrigue that makes this region so captivating. Texture is where this wine really shines. Plush yet structured, the palate flows with sweet red and dark fruits framed by fine tannins and a mineral freshness that keeps everything lifted. Spice lingers long on the finish, leaving you reaching for another sip.

This is the sort of bottle that invites a moment. Pop on the fire, pull on a pair of warm socks and settle in to a glass of this gorgeous wine as winter hums quietly outside. It feels equally at home beside slow roasted lamb with rosemary and garlic, rich cassoulet, or charred mushrooms drizzled with good olive oil. Enjoy it now with a gentle decant or tuck a few bottles away for eight to ten years as the flavours evolve towards leather, dried fig and truffle complexity. A wonderfully authentic expression of Châteauneuf du Pape that delivers both history in the glass and genuine drinking pleasure.