2022 Gerard Charvin Cote du Rhone Le Poutet, Northern Rhone

The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Le Poutet checks in as 81% Grenache, 15% Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the remaining 4% Carignan. Coming from the sandy soils just across the border from Châteauneuf du Pape, near the estate in the northwest sector of the region, its medium ruby hue is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe red fruits, herbes de Provence, sandalwood, and hints of white pepper. I love its overall balance, and it's medium-bodied, elegant, has fine, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It will shine for a solid decade.

90 points jebdunnuck.com

Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône Le Poutet is an insider’s secret — a Côtes du Rhône with the soul of a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Crafted by the ever-traditional and meticulous Laurent Charvin, this wine is made entirely from estate fruit grown just outside the boundaries of Châteauneuf, on similar soils of galets roulés and sandy clay. The result is a wine that delivers serious pedigree and complexity under a humble label.

Le Poutet is usually 85 percent Grenache with small amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Bourboulenc, all co-fermented. Laurent Charvin remains committed to whole-bunch fermentation and old concrete tanks, with no oak at all, allowing the fruit and terroir to speak clearly. The winemaking style leans toward purity, elegance and structure over power.

This Côtes du Rhône opens with vivid aromas of wild red berries, violets, thyme and crushed stones. On the palate, it’s fresh and lively, with layers of cherry, blackberry, black pepper and garrigue herbs. The tannins are silky but present, and there’s real drive and mineral detail underneath the fruit.

An excellent match for Provençal lamb, grilled duck breast, or lentil and sausage stew. It’s drinking beautifully now but has the stuffing to age gracefully over the next 5 to 7 years.