2020 Charvin Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Grape
Mainly old vine Grenache (50-80 years) with Syrah, Mourvedre, Vaccarese and Counoise
Its Origins
“Charvin may indeed produce the Richebourg of Chateauneuf du Pape”, says Robert Parker. Domaine Charvin was created in 1851 by Guillaume Charvin. For over one hundred years, the harvest was sold in bulk to negociants in the region. The modern era began in 1990, when the young, energetic Laurent Charvin began to manage the estate. He was the sixth generation of his family to work at the property. 1990 was the first vintage for the Domaine in which they produced, bottled, and sold their own wine. Over the last 30yrs these have become one of the most highly regarded of all Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Charvin was Caro's very first agency, we've been importing these since we opened in 1995! Laurent still 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 his organically grown vineyards is over 50 years old, with the oldest being over 80 years of age. Laurent Charvin describes his vineyard site as being cool for Chateauneuf as their vines are mostly planted on sandy and rocky north facing slopes. Robert Parker described him as one of the softest spoken, yet reflective and hardworking people in Chateauneuf du Pape. His wines are consistently outstanding, and age extremely gracefully. In addition, Laurent also excels in the difficult vintages, which is common for vignerons who spend the majority of their time in the vineyards. Remaining staunchly in favor of only making a single cuvee, Laurent's Chateauneuf du Pape is always a rough blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Vaccarese. He never destems and the wine sees absolutely no oak, aging 21 months in large concrete tanks and is unfined and unfiltered. These are beautiful elegant expressions of Chateauneuf du Pape, with a focus on freshness, supported by pure fruits and elegant silky textures. Compared to his peers at the top level, Laurent has always kept his prices well behind the market. Which has made us and Charvin lovers very happy!
What The Critics Say
97/100 James Suckling, Stuart Pigott
"This great Chateauneuf combines the richness of the vintage with remarkable precision and vitality. Stacks of ripe damson plum, licorice and candied orange. Great tannin structure and lots of power on the full-bodied palate, with bitter chocolate and a stony character that builds at the very long, super-focused finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold."
95/100 Decanter
"Little herbal note to the fruit bringing some complexity, this is saline, light, fresh, fluid and drinkable. Plenty of texture and interest to the fruit, with really searching tannins. Needs time to come round, will be elegant and charming when it does. Fruit, structure, fragrance and energy - it's got the lot. Very Charvin. Organically grown in the northwest of the appellation, in lieux-dits Cabrières and Maucoil where there's galets roulés and sand. It's fermented and then aged for 21 months in concrete using indigenous yeasts, then bottled unfiltered."
94/100 Jeb Dunnuck
"Another beautiful wine from Laurent, his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a classic blend of 82% Grenache, 5% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, and the rest Vaccarese and Counoise, all from the northern part of the appellation, aged in tank. Perfumed red fruits, rose petals, spice, and sappy, peppery garrigue all flow to a medium to full-bodied, seamless 2020 with silky tannins, wonderful balance, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar to hit the early stages of its drink window, where it should keep nicely for over a decade."
| Variety | Grenache Syrah Mourvedre Blend |
|---|---|
| Region | Rhone Valley |
| Closure | Cork |
| Volume | 750ml |
| Maturity | 2025 - 2034 |
This Wine Goes Well With
Taste
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