Ardèche, Rhône

Clos de l'Oratoire des Papes

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2022

We were initially drawn to this iconic Art Deco label but fell in love with what’s on the inside…

This Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC wine is a blend of Grenache Noir, Syrah, Cinsault & Mourvèdre, produced by L’Oratoire des Papes.

It’s a youthful wine (considering its potential lifespan) bursting with fruit on the nose and palate, such as stewed strawberry, ripe raspberry, red and black plum, cherry, boysenberry, blueberry, kirsch, wildflowers, dark chocolate, vanilla, cured meat, graphite, licorice, anise, black peppercorn, clove, tobacco, and wet leaves.

On the palate this wine is dry, with warming and well-integrated alcohol (15% ABV), a full body, and notable acidity that adds lift to the plush and fleshy characteristics. The tannins are ripe and smooth. The finish lingers.

We’re appreciating the balance of vibrant fruit and layers of non-fruit qualities.
— 9 days ago

Deked1
with Deked1
Deked1, Bob and 13 others liked this

M. Chapoutier

La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2011

75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre —a total stunner she is, drinkable now with a body to go the difference. The nose brings red fruits (plums, cherries, strawberries) and roses and rose petals. The palate is silky-smooth, fresh fruit giving way to tootsie roll and stewed fruit flavors, augmented by earth and sanguine balsamic grooves, a bit of herbal garrigue carrying the day. The finish carries on, persistent and solidly ethereal if we can make that a thing. — a month ago

Bob, Matt and 11 others liked this

Domaine Jamet

Côte-Rôtie Syrah 2013

White pepper, bacon, raspberry and blackberry, great depth, outstanding. — 9 days ago

Ira, Shay and 1 other liked this

Domaine du Pegau

Cuvée Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2012

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of dinner. The 2012 Cuvée Réservée pours a deep ruby color with a slightly hazy, but mostly transparent core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with fabulous notes of ripe red and black bramble fruit: raspberries, Marionberries, licorice, red flowers, horse blanket, dried herbs, leather, and stony earth. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and luscious. This is a very lovely Pegau that is squarely in its prime and strutting all of its stuff. Drink now through 2032. — 12 days ago

Shay, Lyle and 12 others liked this

Pierre Gonon

Saint-Joseph Syrah 2013

Red raspberry fruit and white pepper, good but lacking in complexity compared to the Juge and Jamet tasted with it. — 9 days ago

Ira, Shay and 1 other liked this

Château Rayas

Réservé Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache Blend 2011

Two great thanksgiving wines but with a very clear winner and not even difficult to guess. I have zero emotion with the Margaux and love the elegance of the Rayas even in a year that may be a bit less. — 16 days ago

Andrew, Jan and 2 others liked this

Thierry Allemand

Cornas Reynard (R) Syrah 2012

Pure raspberry with a touch of white pepper, a little tannic but great elegance. — 9 days ago

Ira, Shay and 2 others liked this

Domaine Auguste Clape

Cornas Syrah 2020

Youthful & mostly primary that you can approach now with its dark cherry, berry fruits, lots of spice, underbrush, meat & violet — 16 days ago

Jan, Severn and 14 others liked this

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Domaine de Thalabert Crozes-Hermitage Syrah 2018

Honest, rustic Crozes though there are plenty other examples of N Rhône Syrah I’d choose over this, and at a better price point. — 12 days ago

Peter, Bob and 1 other liked this

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend

Drank through a vertical of this, 2012-2015, quite different oldest to youngest. The ‘12 smelled like a dusty old closet, some funk, surprisingly lean wine, good after some air. ‘14 was the best mix of fruit and garrigue. Fun experience. — 7 days ago

Turd liked this