2022 Chateau Mont Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is brought up in used Burgundy barrels and stainless steel and is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. Black raspberries, subtle cassis, graphite, pepper, and beautifully integrated oak define this classy beauty, and it's medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with building, ripe tannins and a great finish. This is a gorgeous wine in the making, but it will probably take 7-8 years to hit maturity. This could be up there with the legendary Mont-Redons. Tasted twice with consistent results.

I love seeing Pierre Fabre bring Mont-Redon back to its prior glory. I think this estate is unquestionably producing some of the top wines of the appellation today, and that should be no surprise given the incredible terroir of this estate. Looking at the Châteauneuf du Pape releases, there’s a classic cuvée and a Le Plateau cuvée, both in red and white. The classic cuvée is, as you would expect, a classic expression of the appellation and brought up in tank and used oak. Both Le Plateau releases come from the prime upper plateau terroir (think La Crau, only in the northwestern portion of the appellation) and see more new oak. In general, these Le Plateau releases are serious, concentrated wines that demand bottle age. In addition to the Châteauneuf du Pape, this estate produces a bevy of releases from throughout the Southern Rhône, all of which merit attention.

94 points jebdunnuck.com 

Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the Southern Rhône is a benchmark expression of one of France’s most storied appellations—a wine of power, poise, and undeniable pedigree. As one of the oldest and largest estates in Châteauneuf, Mont-Redon boasts a deep legacy dating back to 1344 and has long been known for crafting wines that are both structured and age-worthy, yet remarkably refined.

The estate is situated on the famed plateau of galets roulés—those sun-soaked, heat-retaining river stones that cover the vineyards and contribute to the region’s signature ripeness and intensity. Mont-Redon’s holdings span over 100 hectares of prime Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroir, allowing for careful selection and blending across a diversity of soils and exposures.

The winemaking is led by Pierre Fabre and his team, who carry on the work of generations before them with a focus on precision and balance. Grenache leads the blend, typically supported by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and smaller amounts of the region’s other permitted varieties. Fermentation is carried out in temperature-controlled vats, followed by maturation in a combination of large oak foudres and smaller barrels to integrate tannins and add complexity.

In the glass, Château Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape is deep and expressive—aromas of black cherry, raspberry liqueur, garrigue, and pepper lead into a palate that’s full-bodied and silky, with layers of ripe fruit, warm spice, and earthy undertones. Tannins are fine-grained and persistent, promising excellent aging potential.

This is a classic Southern Rhône red—rich, complex, and unmistakably Châteauneuf, built on heritage, terroir, and meticulous winemaking.