Vacqueyras, Southern 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.
— 5 days ago

Deked1
with Deked1
Bob, Daniel and 12 others liked this

Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe

La Crau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 1995

Leather, raspberry, and hints of minerals and dark chocolate, with fine tannin giving it support, some anise comes out with air, great depth and complexity, drinking incredibly well. — 18 days ago

Ira, Shay and 1 other liked this

Château des Tours

Réserve Côtes du Rhône Red Rhone Blend 2015

Wow, this wine gained so much, and still just entering it’s drinking window. Plenty of ripe red fruits, integrated acidity dried herbs, freshness and velvety tannins. An umami experience. Well done. — a month ago

Jeroen, Daniel and 4 others 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. — 8 days ago

Shay, Lyle and 12 others 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. — 11 days ago

Andrew, Jan and 2 others liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

Happy Thanksgiving, y’all! We’re gathered tight in Pittsburgh, cozy familial bonds keeping us cozy. And what better in this city of forged steel than a bricking roasty wine to match? — 11 days ago

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2018

Medium Ruby color with aromas of ripe black and red fruits and pepper spice. On the palate flavors of plums and ripe red berries with herb, licorice and pepper spice. Fine soft tannins with, medium+ finish ending with fruit, mushroom and earthy notes. — 9 days ago

Daniel, Ira and 3 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 10 others liked this

Domaine Charvin

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2001

Jeremy Shanker
9.1

In an awkward spot. Revisit in 5 — 8 days ago

Severn, Rob and 2 others liked this

Domaine de la Janasse

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2019

Needed a couple hours. Not quite the typical depth. — 2 days ago

Jeannie Epps
with Jeannie
Rodney liked this