Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Reserve 2021

“Dark chocolate and plum, with plentiful cola and clove oak. The tannins are still quite brusque, but this is still ageing. A touch pinched from the oak on the finish. If the tannins are smoothed out, this will make for an elegant wine with spicy complexity when fully mature. Grown on sandy soils of lieux-dits La Guigasse and Pignan sud; matured mostly in demi-muid and some clay amphora. 3,400 bottles produced.”

“The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Réserve turned out magnificently and is one of the highlights of the vintage. The 2021 La Réserve was vinified from organically grown grapes - almost equally Grenache and Mourvèdre. Attractive aromas of predominantly red fruits, crushed flowers, thyme and exotic spices waft from the glass. It seamlessly lingers across the palate, dazzling with polished tannins and excellent freshness. The persistent finish is remarkable, with new flavors emerging long after the wine has left.”

“Cherries and darker berries combine easily on the nose of the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve, which is its usual proportions of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre. There's an attractive note of pine resin this year as well. Medium to full-bodied, it's not as rich as in the best vintages, but it's still a great wine, concentrated and silky, with a long, lingering finish.”