2022 Mas de Boislauzon Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone

A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah that was brought up mostly in concrete, with just 10% in barrels, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape has a gorgeous nose of ripe strawberries, black raspberries, spicy herbs, and some garrigue and floral nuances. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, and balanced, with plenty of mid-palate and a great finish.

92-94 points Jeb Dunnuck

Mas de Boislauzon is a family domaine in the northern reaches of Châteauneuf du Pape, run by brother and sister Daniel and Christine Chaussy. The family has farmed here for generations, with Daniel concentrating on the vineyards and cellar while Christine looks after the commercial side. It remains a relatively low profile name beside some of Châteauneuf’s superstars, which is part of the attraction: serious old fashioned Rhône character without quite the same fanfare.

The domaine’s vineyards lie around the northern sector of the appellation, with Grenache and Mourvèdre central to the blend, supported by Syrah and other traditional varieties. The soils range through galets roulés, sand and clay, while the mistral helps keep the vines healthy through the warm Mediterranean growing season. The hot, dry 2022 vintage delivered plenty of concentration, but good examples retain enough freshness to stop all that ripe fruit becoming heavy.

Deep ruby garnet with black cherry, raspberry and ripe plum followed by violet and blackberry. Liquorice, fennel seed and cracked pepper weave through black olive, rosemary and thyme, with warm earth underneath. The palate is generous and full flavoured, with ripe Grenache fruit balanced by savoury Mourvèdre, fresh acidity and firm but rounded tannins. Cherry, anise, olive and dried herbs carry through the long, warming finish.

Slow cooked lamb shoulder with garlic, rosemary and white beans has the richness for it, while duck with olives, smoky eggplant with chickpeas, porcini polenta or charred octopus with tomato and saffron give the wine plenty of other territory to explore. Cellaring: Drink from 2026 to 2038.