2023 Château de Mont-Redon Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Deep ruby-hued, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape shows blackberries and ripe black cherries intermixed with crushed stone, graphite, pepper, and hints of violets. Based on 60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and 1% other varieties, it was aged in 12% new oak, 38% older barrels, and 50% stainless steel. It's nicely concentrated, with medium-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannins, and outstanding length. Still young, inward, and unevolved, it will benefit from 3-5 years of bottle age and will be one of the longer-lived wines in the vintage. Drink 2028-2045. Run by Pierre Fabre and his team, Château Mont-Redon continues to produce some of the most impressive wines in Châteauneuf du Pape from vineyards located in the northwestern portion of the appellation, planted on a mix of galets roulés, limestone, and sandy soils. The range includes the classic Châteauneuf du Pape red and white, as well as the single-vineyard Le Plateau bottlings from the upper Mont Redon plateau near the estate on 100% galets roulés soils. The classic red is based on 60% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and 1% other varieties, while Le Plateau Rouge is equal parts Grenache and Syrah, giving it a more powerful, structured style. The reds tend to show a slightly more modern style in their youth today (there’s a fair bit of new oak) yet these never lose their Southern Rhône soul. They’re also going to be some of the longest-lived wines in the appellation. In addition, the whites are absolutely brilliant. The classic cuvée is vinified and aged entirely in stainless steel, while Le Plateau Blanc (70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Clairette) is vinified and aged entirely in new French oak. The 2024 Le Plateau Blanc is one of the “wow” wines of the vintage and comes across like a Grand Cru white Burgundy. Don’t miss these wines.