Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf du Pape 2023

With redolent perfume of ripe strawberry, raspberry, licorice and rose petal, this astonishing Chateauneuf-du-Pape has the enormous aromatic complexity and subtlety expected from Grand Cru red Burgundies. Enormous concentration and ample richness on the palate, and the structure behind this is no less impressive. Stacks of very fine tannins. The black and red berry fruit washes over you in a huge wave in the breathtaking licorice finish. So much drive and freshness. Enormous aging potential. From organically grown grapes.

Robert Parker famously called Charvin “the Richebourg” of Chateauneuf-du-Pape: that is a wine of both unique opulence and unique purity and class.

"Plenty of class, a subtle texture, balance and precision. It shows aromas of raspberries, red cherries, roasted meat, warm spices and some leather. Medium- to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins. The texture is so refined, restrained and savory, with a long, precise, chiseled finish. Almost crunchy, with an attractive note of orange peel. A complete red wine that’s 20% grenache with syrah, mourvedre, counoise and vaccarese. Rating: 98" -- James Suckling

"Still in tank at the time of tasting, Charvin’s 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape shows a less flamboyant profile than last year, opening with aromas of menthol, spices, cassis and mulberries. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and layered, it reveals a lively, tensile core of fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a finish marked by real freshness. Matured for 21 months, this blend of 82% Grenache Noir, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 4% Vaccarèse and the balance Counoise is another impressive success from Laurent Charvin, emphasizing precision and vibrancy over sheer opulence. Rating: 95+" -- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Founded in 1851, Laurent Charvin is the sixth generation to run the family estate. Soon after he took over from his father, Laurent dispensed with most modern winemaking technologies and converted the estate’s entire 28 hectares (including 10 ha of Châteauneuf-du-Pape) to organic viticulture. Vinification begins with traditional whole-cluster fermentation. In addition to leaving the stems, elevage is uniquely undertaken in concrete tank - no barrel. Until recently, Laurent was almost the only grower to continue to vinify traditionally.