2020 Chateauneuf du Pape le Grand Pin

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Grand Pin is a terrific effort from winemaker Baptiste Grangeon. The 2020 was aged like the La Guigasse for two years in demi-muids and made entirely from Grenache. It mixes precise aromas of crushed violets, blood orange, fresh mango, strawberry and raspberry with hints of dried herb and mint. On the palate it is full-bodied, built on a core of velvety tannins and possessing staggering intensity, before concluding with a long-lasting finish.

All Grenache coming from sandy soils in the northern part of the Pignan lieu-dit, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Grand Pin was not destemmed and is still resting in older demi-muids. It has a classic, exotic perfume of ripe strawberries and cherry-like fruit as well as rose petal, baking spices, sappy garrigue, and exotic flowers. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, this spicy, complex, nuanced 2020 has ripe tannins, a layered, balanced mouthfeel, and a great finish. Readers who love complex, elegant, more finesse-driven examples of Châteauneuf du Pape should jump on these Chapelle Saint Théodoric releases. Made by Baptiste Grangeon, the wines come all from sandy soils, see lots of whole clusters in the ferments, and are aged in older demi-muids.