Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend

In an awkward spot. Revisit in 5

An ardent traditionalist, Laurent Charvin makes one of the more interesting wines in the CdP AOC. There is no super-cuvée; their best fruit goes into their standard (and only) bottling.

Opened several hours prior to service. The 2015 pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with light staining of the tears. On the nose, developing with an intriguing combination of fresh and desiccated brambles, Cedar forest, Christmas fruit cake, black pepper, and well-oiled baseball glove and a mix dried green herbs. On the palate, the wine is bone dry, medium+ tannins and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long, rich and juicy with surprising structure. Delicious. Drink now and through 2030+

A baby, but a damn solid CDP. Revisit in 5.

A blend of 82% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah and equal proportions of Vaccarèse and Counoise, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape spent 21 months in concrete vats. The result is a vibrant red wine, bursting with precise aromas of ripe red fruits, blackberry, licorice as well as hints of dried thyme and lavender. Full-bodied, rich and layered, it is flawlessly balanced by fresh acidity and ends with good persistence on the savory finish. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, June 2023)

More mature than the Boisrenard, I will give the Charvin the slight edge for its charming rusticity and earthy appeal

I’ve enjoyed the wines of Chateauneuf-du-Pape for almost 20 years and, along with a few DOCG’s in Italy, it’s one of the regions I have the most experience with. That being said, I’ve become very judicious with my buying over the last 5 years or so, concentrating on a small handful of producers that I’ve naturally gravitated towards. Domaine Charvin is one of those. No destemming, aged in concrete, no luxury cuvée, modest pricing. They’re just so old school and I just love it. The 2017 Charvin Rouge pours a deep garnet color with a near opaque core; medium+ viscosity with moderate staining of the tears. On the nose, it’s initially a bit reticent but changes dramatically with about 15min of air at which point it begins to really strut. First with bruised strawberries and whole fields of garrigue. With a little more coaxing, ripe brambles, spiced meat, and lavender join the party. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannins (which seem to build with air), medium acid and fairly high alcohol though it never felt like a hot mess. In fact, the wine is beautifully balanced with ample structure providing a foundation for the abundance of fruit: red and black brambly fruit, with Herb de Provence, espresso and a touch of leather and dark olive. The finish is long and satisfying. A lovely Charvin that should deliver in style well past 2030

Nothing wrong with the classics pt 3. Very pleased with this—not too hot / roasted, deep red / purple plummy fruit, baking spice, dried herbs, animal hide, very slight green / peppercorn

True to vintage. Open-knit, inviting fruit, pliant tannin, well rounded and checking a lot of boxes for traditional CNDP with a little age on it. The whole cluster character has really melted in here, more so than some other vintages I’ve tried.

Tawny color, mostly opaque. Herbal nose. In contrast to the Roty red burg which is rich and silky, this is more angular and herbal – pairing well with food. Notes of red briary fruit, herbs de provence, dusty earth and some tobacco leaf. Great balance in the mouth with a great mix of fruit, acidity, structure and softened tannin. In a good spot right now.

Fully mature and in a great window. Loaded with whole cluster spice, white pepper, menthol, dried Provençal herbs, roasted plums, worn leather, fur, clove, cinnamon, spicecake. Classic “fresh” aspect Charvin always has, great traditional feel to is.