2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres

A normal blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre that's all from sandy soils and brought up in a mix of demi-muids and foudre, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Safres has brighter Bing cherry, leather, peppery herb, and building, exotic flower notes in its medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant and seamless profile. It brings more depth and richness than the classic cuvée, has plenty of mid-palate depth, and ripe, polished tannins. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years. Tasted twice with consistent notes. The Vacheron Family, along with winemaker Bruno Gaspard, make some of the region’s finest wines. Located on the border of Châteauneuf du Pape, in the Courthezon region of the appellation, the estate covers 25 hectares, and they release a bevy of brilliant Châteauneuf du Pape as well as Côtes du Rhônes. While I thought the 2020s were slightly challenging here, it looks like the 2021s are rock-solid and as good as anything in the vintage, while the 2022s look to be a return to richer, more concentrated, powerful wines that hold onto a beautiful sense of balance and purity.

While the fruit may be less explosive in the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres than in the 2020, it remains charming and seductive, a gentle ride of raspberries and cherries, wrapped in subtle herbal intricacies. It's medium to full-bodied, silky-textured and long on the finish.

Matured for 18 months in foudre , the 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. Pale ruby-colored, it reveals enticing red fruit aromas mingled with tomato leaf and cloves. Velvety tannins envelope this full-bodied red, balanced by fresh acidity and culminating in a savory finish.