2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres

A blend of 90% Grenache Noir and 10% Mourvèdre, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Safres reveals a complex, perfumed bouquet of dark cherries, iris, dark wild berries and garrigue. Medium to full-bodied, satiny and sappy, it's enrobing and charming, framed by velvety, delicate tannins and a violet-inflected finish. This real beauty was totally destemmed and matured for 115 months in foudres, or wooden tanks, and should age gracefully over the next two decades.

40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 30% Clairette. Macerated, then vinified and aged for four months in new oak barrels. Certified organic and biodynamic. Tasted blind. The palate shows limey, nutty, oaky notes. Such density and opulence on the attack, yet so much freshness beneath. Honeyed and mouth-coating but also with a core of fresh pear, stone fruit and really well-judged oak, which will integrate over the next two or so years. Excellent. (AC)

Fragrant strawberry, lavender, red cherry and licorice introduce the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres. Bottled in February 2024 and checking in at 15.12% alcohol, this medium-bodied red is the product of a co-fermentation of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. It hits the palate with good concentration framed by velvety tannins. Round and easygoing, the 2022 checks out with a juicy finish. Tasted twice with consistent notes.