Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2021 0

 Old vine Grenache (50-80 years) with Syrah, Mourvedre, Vaccarese and Counoise

“Charvin may indeed produce the Richebourg of Chateauneuf du Pape.? – Robert Parker. Laurent Charvin runs this small family estate located in the north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The domaine has vineyard holdings of just 8 hectares in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and 13 hectares in Cotes du Rhone. The average age of the vineyards is over 50 years old with the oldest being nearly 80 years of age. Laurent Charvin describes his vineyard site as being ?cool? for Chateauneuf as their vines are mostly planted on sandy north facing slopes.

“This has some interest; a little spicy kick on the finish that brings character and complexity. There?s a good sense of freshness and it?s very concentrated, with ripe black cherry flavour. The alcohol is on the high side, but this is classic stuff. Has some depth of gummy texture and an intense muscular grip to the tannins with a long, resonant finish. Charvin rarely shows well from barrel, so this could be very good indeed when it’s mature. Organically grown at the north-west of the appellation, lieux-dits Cabri?res and Maucoil, galets roul?s and sand. It’s fermented and then aged for 21 months in concrete using indigenous yeasts, then bottled unfiltered.” Drink 2022 – 2030 . 93/100 Decanter, Matt Walls

“Tasted blind. Attractive combination of stemmy, herbal aromas with rich black fruit. Lots of pepper and clove character too. Strongly spiced, possibly at the expense of fruit, but I like its distinctive and definite character. 82% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourv?dre, 4% Vaccar?se, 4% Counoise. Aged for 21 months in concrete. Tank sample. (RH).”  17/20 JancisRobinson, Richard Hemming