2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Reine Bois

Sourced predominantly from the iconic La Crau plateau, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reine des Bois is far from different from La Dame Voyageuse, evoking a ripe, deep and complex bouquet of dark cherries, spices, lavender, dry plums and Provence herbs mingled with exotic spices and chocolate. Full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it's layered with a rich core of fruit and supple structuring tannins. This serious, structured wine will reward cellaring over the next 10–15 years. This is a blend of 80% Grenache Noir, 5% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and the rest Vaccarèse.

Vinified from certified biodynamic grapes, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois brings forth ripe black fruits, fresh strawberry, pencil shavings and a floral lift of orange blossom. Full-bodied, round and concentrated, the 2023 is framed around polished tannins and maintains energizing freshness all the way through to the long, complex finish. Delicious.

80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 5% Vaccarèse. Part (20%) aged in old barrique and the remainder (80%) in stainless steel. Certified organic and biodynamic. Tank/cask sample. Tasted blind. Earthy and dense with taut vertical tannins and a sweet vanillin note underneath. The alcohol is a little dominant and comes through on the finish. (AC)