2022 Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape France

2022 Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape France

with No Comment $40-$50Chateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

Clos du Mont-Olivet

Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, France 2022

2022 Clos du Mont-Olivet Chateauneuf-du-Pape France

Clos du Mont-Olivet tells a vivid story of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Founded in 1932, the estate has long pursued a holistic vision, assembling vineyard holdings across multiple lieux-dits to express the region’s full breadth in a single wine. The 2022 vintage carries this philosophy forward, offering a composed, layered portrait shaped by the collective voice of the region, where complexity emerges from diversity, balance, and an understanding of the terroir.

 

That vision is grounded in decades of thoughtful vineyard acquisitions, guided by traditional farming practices. By working parcels across the appellation, Clos du Mont-Olivet has built a living archive of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s soils and exposures, allowing each site to contribute its own nuance. The result is a style defined by continuity and clarity, one that privileges harmony over immediacy.

A standout at our recent tasting, the 2022 Clos du Mont-Olivet Châteauneuf-du-Pape distinguished itself through balance and composure. Built around Grenache and supported by a full spectrum of traditional Rhône varieties, it carries depth without heaviness, unfolding with measured structure and confident authority.

Clos du Mont-Olivet
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, France 2022

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“The effusive nose of ripe raspberries and sour cherries pulls you into this concentrated and well-structured Chateauneuf. Firm core with plenty of licorice, black olives and spices, and a long, complex finish that’s beautifully supported by the expertly crafted tannins. A cuvee based on grenache made since 1932. Drinkable now, but best from 2025.”

94 Points

2023 Vieux Telegraph Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

2023 Vieux Telegraph Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

with No Comment $100 and overChateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone Valley

Vieux Télégraphe

Châteauneuf-du-Pape
La Crau 2023

2023 Vieux Telegraph Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Crau

High above the Rhône plain, on the stony expanse of La Crau, the Brunier family tends one of France’s most storied vineyards. Each vintage of Vieux Télégraphe distills a century of devotion to this harsh and beautiful place, where vines grow not in soil but among stones. The 2023 release captures that heritage at its purest: a wine of sculpted structure, radiant fruit, and the unmistakable clarity that only this plateau can impart.

From hand-harvest to slow fermentation in concrete, every step at Vieux Télégraphe reflects patience. The old vines, some planted before the Second World War, yield small, concentrated berries that speak not of abundance but of endurance. Matured in large, neutral foudres, the wine develops a strength and texture that feels carved rather than built.

Few wines so seamlessly capture the paradox of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the marriage of Mediterranean warmth and mountain freshness. The 2023 Vieux Télégraphe radiates both: the generosity of ripe Grenache framed by the cool austerity of limestone. It stands as proof that in the right hands, hardship becomes harmony, and from the stones of La Crau, true beauty is born.

Vieux Télégraphe
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
La Crau 2023

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“In spite of its extreme youth, this great Chateuneuf-du-Pape leaps out at you with its depth of wet-earth, ripe red-berry and dried-flower aromas. Rich and concentrated, but so suave and refined. Incredible length! Already delicous, but this has a great future ahead of it. Drink or hold.”

98 Points

2021 M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Rhone Valley

2021 M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Rhone Valley France

with No Comment $60-$70Chateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

M. Chapoutier

Châteauneuf-du-Pape
La Bernardine 2021
Rhone Valley, France

2021 M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Rhone Valley

At the intersection of tradition and innovation, Chapoutier’s Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine captures over a century of expertise in a single glass. Guided by Michel Chapoutier’s visionary approach and commitment to biodynamics, the 2021 vintage achieves a rare balance: power without heaviness, purity without austerity.

The wine draws its character from the Rhône’s storied terroir: ancient quaternary soils strewn with massive pebbles, remnants of a long-lost glacial river. These galets, mingled with clay and sand, form a natural oven by day and a cool haven by night, yielding fruit of remarkable intensity and elegance unique to Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The 2021 vintage is a masterclass in restraint and clarity. A Grenache-driven blend rounded out with Syrah and Mourvèdre, and raised for fifteen months in concrete, preserving purity of fruit and the unadorned voice of the vineyard. Elegant, concentrated, and profoundly expressive, La Bernardine 2021 is an eloquent reminder of why Châteauneuf-du-Pape remains one of the world’s great red wines.

M. Chapoutier
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
La Bernardine 2021
Rhone Valley, France

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“A textural, refined and velvety Chateauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of forest berries, wet stones, roasted meat, wild herbs and some bark. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. There is a refined texture here, silky at the center, with a delicate core of dark cherries challenged by an intense array of spices that provide verve and energy. Lively and focused finish with length. Try after 2026.”

93 Points

2023 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique France

2023 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique France

with No Comment $30 and underCotes du RhoneFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

Le Clos du Caillou

Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2023

2023 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique France

Le Clos de Caillou’s 2023 Cuvée Unique emerges from a domaine synonymous with perfection, revealing that excellence is measured not by appellation but by the integrity of its terroir and the hands that bring it to life. With ‘Cuvée Unique,’ the estate channels its mastery into a red of remarkable elegance, offered at a fraction of its more famous counterparts.

Its tale is as compelling as its character. In 1936, surveyors seeking to include Le Clos de Caillou in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC faced armed opposition, leaving an enigmatic void on the map that persists to this day. Only in the 1950s did vines take root, allowing this singular terroir nestled within the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to flourish under the Côtes-du-Rhône banner.

The 2023′ Cuvée Unique’ is a symphonic blend of 70% Grenache, harmonized with Syrah, Carignan, and Counoise, drawn from vines rooted in ancient, mineral-rich soils. In it, there’s a quiet power and earnest confidence. For lovers of Rhône wines, this is not just a hidden gem but a compelling testament to place, heritage, and vision.

Le Clos du Caillou
Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2023

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“The 2023 Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Unique is a strong performer from this appellation, reflecting a vintage of balance and consistency. It combines elegance with freshness and moderate ripeness, avoiding excess weight or overextraction. The nose opens with clear notes of pomegranate, backed by iron minerals, violets, and a touch of scorched earth that adds complexity without heaviness. On the palate, it delivers fresh cranberries and spicy minerals, integrated with vibrant, fresh, and penetrating red fruits. The acidity provides lift and focus, supporting a medium-bodied structure that feels precise and well-proportioned. Tannins are fine-grained, contributing to a clean, persistent finish. This is a versatile Côtes du Rhône that drinks well now, or that will age gracefully for 5-10 years, gaining further nuance. A standout value at this level.”

95 points

2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

with No Comment $50-$60Chateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

Domaine De La Solitude

Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, France 2023

2023 Domaine De La Solitude Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley France

The 2023 vintage from Domaine de la Solitude delivers a Châteauneuf-du-Pape that balances its muscular frame with breathtaking nuance. Anchored in deep tradition but lifted by a modern sense of elegance, it’s a wine that leaves a lasting impression: vivid, authentic, and unmistakably alive.

The estate carries a rich legacy that stretches back to the 15th century, through the venerable Barberini-Martin family. The label itself bears witness to this ancestry with three bishops’ hats symbolizing the family’s connection to Pope Urban VIII and his cardinal nephews, a lineage that echoes through every sip.

Their 2023 vintage, built on the classic triumvirate of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, includes trace amounts of all other permitted Rhône varietals, organically farmed and co-fermented, bringing this storied region to life. The wine is opulent without excess, layered yet precise, feeling both rooted and refined. It’s an articulation of place, and a vivid reminder of what makes this corner of the Rhône Valley so enduringly magnetic.

Domaine De La Solitude
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Rhone Valley, France 2023

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“Very rich and spicy, with impressive concentration and stacks of fine, soft tannins on the full-bodied palate. There’s licorice and meaty intensity in the crescendo finish. A cuvee of 60% grenache, 20% syrah, 10% mourvedre and 5% each counoise and cinsault. From biodynamically grown grapes. A small crop due to hail damage in May. Matured mostly in concrete tanks with a small number of oak casks. Drink or hold.”

95 Points

2020 Department 66 'D66' Grenache Cotes Catalanes France

2020 Department 66 ‘D66’ Grenache Cotes Catalanes France

with No Comment $30 and underFranceGrenacheKevin VogtRhone Valley

Department 66

‘D66’ Grenache 2020
Côtes Catalanes, France

2020 Department 66 'D66' Grenache Cotes Catalanes France

Dave Phinney’s 2020 Department 66 “D66” Grenache embodies bold creativity, revealing richness, old-vine sophistication, and profound depth. Crafted by visionary winemaker David Phinney, known for audacious, crowd-pleasing wines, D66 is a compelling endeavor rooted in the sun-drenched landscapes of France’s Roussillon region, where French elegance converges with Spanish intensity.

Sourced from the distinguished Côtes Catalanes IGP, the grapes flourish under the Mediterranean’s dynamic climate, where warm days are tempered by cool nights. This pronounced diurnal shift imparts remarkable concentration and lively acidity to the fruit.

The 2020 vintage artfully blends the bold, fruit-driven character of Californian winemaking with the refined finesse of French terroir. Each sip weaves a captivating story, harmonizing robust richness with graceful nuance, delivering an unforgettable experience that bridges two worlds. Treat yourself to a Grenache that defies borders and conventions, poised to enchant your senses.

Department 66
‘D66’ Grenache 2020
Côtes Catalanes, France
Retails at: $40

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“The Orin Swift 2020 Department 66 Grenache open with a rich, complex nose of wild strawberries, blackberries, plums, baking spices, earth, and a hint of wet stony minerality. On the palate, the wine has flavors of ripe black cherries, black currants, fudge brownies, and baking spices. The wine has a solid structure with firm tannins, indicating a suitability for further aging, but also a friendly approachability making it drinkable now.”

94 Points

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

with No Comment $30 and underChateauneuf-Du-PapeFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

Le Clos du Caillou

Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2022

2022 Le Clos du Caillou Cotes-du-Rhone Cuvee Unique

Le Clos de Caillou, celebrated for its flawless 100-point Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, reveals that true distinction need not carry an extravagant price. The 2022 Côtes-du-Rhône Vieilles Vignes (Old Vines) ‘Cuvée Unique’ emerged as the highlight of our recent tasting, a vivid demonstration of this estate’s remarkable skill in crafting wines that surpass all anticipation.

Its tale is as compelling as its character. In 1936, surveyors seeking to include Le Clos de Caillou in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC faced armed opposition, leaving an enigmatic void on the map that persists to this day. Only in the 1950s did vines take root, allowing this singular terroir nestled within the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape to flourish under the Côtes-du-Rhône banner.

The 2022 ‘Cuvée Unique’ weaves together 70% Grenache with Syrah, Carignan, and Counoise, drawn from vineyards echoing the iconic Châteauneuf-du-Pape landscape. This wine unfolds with grace, its focused intensity reflecting the meticulous artistry behind it.

If one Rhône wine deserves your attention this year, let it be this striking and memorable Cuvée Unique.

Le Clos du Caillou
Côtes-du-Rhône
Cuvée Unique Vieilles Vignes
Rhône Valley, France 2022

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“The Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes Cuvée Unique 2022 unfurls with an inviting and nuanced bouquet, where crushed cranberries and ripe red cherries intertwine seamlessly with hints of lavender. A subtle iron note lends complexity, while delicate pie spices round out the aromas. This wine is a vibrant tapestry of mixed juicy red and black berries on the palate, their brightness amplified by a liquid mineral component that elevates each sip. Concentrated yet lively, the flavors penetrate with precision, revealing a black tea character that lingers. It’s a wine of remarkable energy—mouth-wateringly delicious, with a vitality that dances across the tongue, leaving a vivid and refined impression.”

95 Points

2019 Fontaine Du Clos Vacqueyras Rhone Valley France

2019 Fontaine Du Clos Vacqueyras Rhone Valley France

with No Comment $30 and underCotes du RhoneFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

FONTAINE DU CLOS

VACQUEYRAS 2019
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE

2019 Fontaine Du Clos Vacqueyras Rhone Valley France
Domaine Fontaine du Clos’ foundation was built upon years of farming and nurturing a vine nursery that supplies vineyards throughout France. The estate accounts for over 40 grape varieties on 250 acres planted in Vaucluse, Vacqueyras, and Côtes du Rhône. The deep-rooted connection to the fruit through farming eventually became a passion for wine production that Céline and Jean-François Barnier nurture today.
 
The Vacqueyras AOC lies at the foothills of the Dentelles de Montmirail range and benefits from cool mountain breezes at night, which helps maintain bright acidity in Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre grapes. The 2019 vintage produced a structured, bold red with a vibrant freshness that was a stunning beauty among several Napa Valley Cabernets, thoroughly impressing our tasting panel.
 
FONTAINE DU CLOS
VACQUEYRAS 2019
RHONE VALLEY, FRANCE
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“Penetrating and very complex, the Fontaine du Clos Vacqueyras begins with a vibrant nose including black currants, elderberry jam, multivitamins, fresh wild mushrooms, animal blood, crushed granite, dandelion greens, and peppermint hints. These elements combine on the palate with concentrated blueberries, Italian herbs, marionberry syrup, menthol, and slightly chalky tannins. This stunner is a medium-full-bodied wine with an intense concentration of fruit and nearly unheard-of complexity and length at this price. While the name is a mouth full, the wine is even more so… in a good way. Anyone who tries this beauty will most likely love it.”
94+ Points
2019 Domaine De L'Arnesque Chateauneuf du Pape

2019 Domaine De L’Arnesque Chateauneuf du Pape

with No Comment $40-$50Cotes du RhoneFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone Valley

DOMAINE DE L’ARNESQUE

CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
VINTAGE 2019

2019 Domaine De L'Arnesque Chateauneuf du Pape
L’Arnesque is one of several small vineyard areas within the famed Châteauneuf-du-Pape region, named after its site-specific terroir and unique soils. Domaine de L’Arnesque shares this name and is owned and cared for by the 5th generation of the Biscarrat family. The vineyard’s soils are made up of limestone and clay and covered with large stones known as “galets” that absorb the warmth from the sunlight and transmit that heat to the vines during cool, breezy nights.
 
Domaine de L’Arnesque’s winemaking team utilizes a partial whole cluster fermentation, increasing this wine’s aromatics, structure, and complexity. The 2019 vintage is a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, aged 12 months in 600-liter French oak barrels typical of the Rhône Valley, giving a wine with regional purity, pride and balance.
 
DOMAINE DE L’ARNESQUE
CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE
VINTAGE 2019
 
Your Price: $45

 

“Ripe and alluring, with a seductive display of warmed cassis and plum sauce flavors laced with melted red licorice and fruitcake notes. Fine grained through the finish, where light applewood, shiso and garriguenotes keep this honest. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2023 through 2036. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 500 cases imported.”
93 Points
2019 Domaine De La Ville Rouge Crozes Hermitage Inspiration

2019 Domaine De La Ville Rouge Crozes Hermitage Inspiration

with No Comment $30 and underFranceKevin VogtRhone ValleyRhone ValleySyrah

DOMAINE DE LA VILLE ROUGE

CROZES-HERMITAGE
INSPIRATION 2019

2019 Domaine De La Ville Rouge Crozes Hermitage Inspiration
Established in 1919, Domaine de la Ville Rouge sits on the banks of the Rhône River in the Crozes-Hermitage AOC, an area famous for producing wine with explosive, complex flavor profiles. They’ve organically farmed the vineyards since 2009 and converted to biodynamic in 2013, which helps translate the region’s authentic aromas and flavors into your glass.
 
Inspiration is 100% Syrah crafted from 20-year-old vines that were cold-soaked for 3-4 days before fermentation to extract deeper color without accumulating harsh tannins. The wine team fermented the wine with natural yeasts followed by 18 months in stainless steel for a serenely idyllic wine that’s impossible to forget as it proudly speaks of its origin with each sip.
 
DOMAINE DE LA VILLE ROUGE
CROZES-HERMITAGE
INSPIRATION 2019
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The 2019 Domaine de la Ville Rouge, Crozes-Hermitage “Inspiration” opens with fresh notes of garrigue, anise, blackberries, smoked meat, and caramelized sugar. The bright acidity on the palate balances the flavors of black raspberries, plums, and freshly baked brownies. This wine is ready to drink now and great with barbecued meats but will gain a more earthy complexity with a few years in the cellar.”
93 Points