2023 Chateau Mont Redon Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone

Deep ruby-hued, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape shows blackberries and ripe black cherries intermixed with crushed stone, graphite, pepper, and hints of violets. Based on 60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and 1% other varieties, it was aged in 12% new oak, 38% older barrels, and 50% stainless steel. It's nicely concentrated, with medium-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannins, and outstanding length. Still young, inward, and unevolved, it will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and will be one of the longer-lived wines in the vintage. Drink 2028-2045.

94 points Jeb Dunnuck

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.

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