Description
“I always find Charvin’s wines closest to those of Chateau Rayas, although the Charvin wines are slightly more concentrated.” — Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate
“Charvin may indeed produce the Richebourg of Chateauneuf du Pape.”
— Robert Parker Jr, The Wine Advocate
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. Certified organic.
Charvin produces finely styled Grenache based wines showing great depth and finesse (approximately 80% Grenache for each wine with small amounts of Vacaresse and Mourvedre as well as small amounts of Carignan and Bourboulenc for the Côtes du Rhône). Winemaking is traditional with no de-stemming and all ageing is done in cement tanks. No wood is used for the elevage of either wine. There are no secrets here, simply old vines, very low yields and minimal winemaking intervention. The Côtes du Rhône is regularly rated as one of the very best from this area and perhaps it is not surprising as the vines for this cuvee border directly on to the appellation for Chateauneuf du Pape in the northern sector where they are located. Stunning elegance and finesse. The 2022 is here following another exceptional growing season.
92 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, April 2024. ‘A wealth of red fruit aromas are wrapped around an elegant core of fine tannins on the medium- to full-bodied palate. Excellent concentration and length for this appellation. So many delicate spice notes at the beautifully balanced finish A cuvee based on grenache. Bottled unfiltered.’
John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com, Feb 2024 ‘From 2010 81% Grenache (av age 40 yrs in 2012, youngest 2004, 1992, oldest 1920s), 7.5% Syrah (1985), 7.5% Mourvèdre (1985, a recently rented plot), 5% Carignan (1950s), before was 85% Grenache (av age 40 yrs in 2008, youngest 1992, oldest 1920s), 10% Syrah (1985), 5% Carignan (1950s) from near Maucoil, Quartier Champovin, Boislauzon, sandy, clay-limestone, some galet stones soils, light crush, whole bunch 15-20 day fermentation, daily pumping overs, press wine added, concrete vat raised 18 months, fined, unfiltered, up to 50,000 b’
’(vat, bottling early March 2024) red robe; the nose bears a discreet sweetness and a sound hold on its Grenache plum fruit, some crackle in its herbs, is suggesting a rounded elegance with a little more time. The palate offers immediate fruit pleasure, the fruit well defined, and backed by neatly firm tannins that hold it together on the close. it’s a naked style Côtes, good access to its fruit and local garrigue ID, well suited to Mediterranean dishes, garlic included. Its length is present, understated. 13.5°. From spring-mid 2025. 2035-37’ .
RRP $64 Our Price $46.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
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