2023 Chateauneuf du Pape le Grand Pin

Based on 100% Grenache from the sandy soils of the Pignan lieu-dit in the north of the appellation, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Grand Pin offers brilliant aromatics of spiced black cherries and mulberries intermixed with piney herbs, pepper, mint, and exotic flowers. Aged 24 months in 100% demi-muids, it's medium-bodied with a tight, nicely concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. This is another beautiful example from this single parcel of sandy soils. There are roughly 270 cases produced. While the Chapelle Saint Théodoric wines are made by Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine de Cristia, the wines are dramatically different in style and are mostly not destemmed (the base Les Sablons can be destemmed) and aged in older, larger oak barrels. These are much more perfumed, floral, elegant wines, and I always find a Burgundy-like character. The La Guigasse comes from a single lieu-dit of sandy soils, while Le Grand Pin is from the sandy soils of the Pignan lieu-dit in the north of the appellation. In general, the Les Sablons and La Guigasse are the most approachable, with Le Grand Pin always requiring additional bottle age to show at its best.