2023 Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres, Southern Rhone

Red-fruited and spicy, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres displays lovely floral notes of rose petals and crushed violets. Packing ample freshness, the full-bodied and velvety 2023 carries spot-on balance and concludes with persistence on the alluring finale.

92-94 points Vinous

Mostly Grenache with a splash of Mourvèdre from the Les Bédines lieu-dit, brought up mostly in foudre, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Safres is similarly deeper ruby-hued and offers up a floral, peppery perfume of red plums, black raspberries, and spicy, herbes des Provence-like nuances. This medium to full-bodied red has a pure, layered, seamless mouthfeel and terrific tannins.

92-94 points Jeb Dunnuck

Clos du Caillou has risen from cult favourite to one of the most admired estates in the Southern Rhône. Established by André Pouizin and now guided by Sylvie Vacheron, the domaine is renowned for its organic farming, old vines and wines of remarkable purity and finesse. Although the winery sits just outside the official Châteauneuf du Pape boundary, many of its most prized vineyard parcels lie within the appellation itself. Les Safres is one of the estate's signature wines, named after the distinctive sandy soils that give it such perfume and elegance.

The 2023 vintage highlights the beauty of these ancient sandy sites, where old Grenache vines thrive in soils that naturally produce wines of finesse rather than sheer power. Grenache dominates the blend, supported by small amounts of Mourvèdre and Syrah. The sandy terroir encourages exceptionally aromatic fruit, silky tannins and a transparency that allows the vineyard character to shine through. Careful organic viticulture and gentle winemaking preserve the energy and detail that define this celebrated cuvée.

Deep ruby garnet in colour, the bouquet is wonderfully expressive, revealing aromas of wild raspberry, black cherry and strawberry compote layered with rose petal, lavender and exotic spice. As the wine unfolds, notes of licorice, dried herbs and crushed stone emerge, adding complexity and intrigue. The palate is beautifully textured, combining vibrant red and dark fruits with savoury garrigue notes and fine mineral detail. Silky tannins and fresh acidity create an effortless sense of balance, while the finish is long, fragrant and remarkably precise.

This is a superb match for slow roasted lamb shoulder, duck confit, Provençal vegetable dishes, wild mushroom ragù or herb crusted pork loin. While already captivating in its youth, Les Safres possesses the structure and pedigree to evolve gracefully over the next fifteen to twenty years, gaining additional layers of savoury complexity.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2043.