2021 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape

Winemaker Notes: Laurent Charvin has only 10 ha of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Until recently, Laurent was almost the only grower to still vinify traditionally, with whole-cluster fermentations. Now others are beginning to copy him. In addition to leaving the stems, Laurent’s élevage is uniquely in concrete tank, no barrel. Laurent is regarded as one of the top wine-makers in the appellation by Guy Julien, famous owner of the restaurant Beaugraviere in Mondragon, as well as other top sommeliers and wine writers in France, with a two-star rating by Revue du Vin de France. 

Located in the northwest part of the appellation, with vines chiefly in Cabrieres, Maucoil, and Mont Redon, Laurent Charvin makes one of the most elegant and seamless Châteauneuf-du-Papes. Opting to produce a single cuvée, the winemaking here is staunchly traditional, with no destemming and fermentation and aging occurring all in concrete tanks for 21 months, bottled unfiltered. This is a wine that can age 20 years from any vintage as well as be accessible quite young with just a little breathing.

Madeline Triffon, MS Selection: "Traditional and subtle in style, with earthy tones, peppery scents and a tasty, savory flavor."

CRITICAL ACCLAIM


Jeb Dunnuck - "Beautiful floral aromatics of raspberries, minty herbs, sappy garrigue, and fresh rose petals all emerge from the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a bright, medium-bodied, incredibly elegant Châteauneuf du Pape from Laurent. It picks up more white pepper with time in the glass (no doubt from the stems) and has a fresh, focused, almost crunchy style that will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and will evolve for well over a decade. This is an elegant, fresher Charvin with lots to love. Unfortunately, production is down more than 40%, so there's not much to go around. Tasted twice with consistent notes. Rating: 91+"


Vinous - "The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a distinctively elegant offering from proprietor and winemaker Laurent Charvin. Delicate rose petals, blueberry, forest strawberry and raspberry aromas unfold, complemented by dried herb nuances. This 2021 red is concentrated and complex, although it does not reach the same levels as in 2020 or 2019. Medium to full-bodied and neatly balanced, it should already drink well from a young age."