96pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The advantages of old vines are perhaps most evident in the more difficult vintages (whether hot and dry or cool and rainy). The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a strong effort, delivering supple, velvety waves of ripe black cherries and black raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, it's rich and concentrated without seeming at all heavy or unbalanced, finishing long and juicy. It's approximately 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah and 5% other varieties, keeping in mind that up to 15% of the old Grenache vines are actually Clairette Rose.

95pts Vinous

The 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is made from vines aged between 80 and 100 years. The 2021 Vieilles Vignes wafts from the glass with expressive aromas of redcurrant, red and black cherry, raspberry, strawberry, tobacco leaves, garrigue and a pinch of white pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated and wrapped in plush tannins. Fresh acidity balances it ahead of a quite complex finish.

94pts Jeb Dunnuck

Lastly, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieille Vignes is one of the top wines in the vintage. Mostly Grenache (15% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah) that saw one-third stems, it offers a Burgundian bouquet of black cherries, redcurrants, peppery herbs, graphite, and chalky minerality. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and elegant, it has fine tannins, beautiful purity of fruit, and outstanding length. It's hard to resist today yet will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and have over a decade of prime drinking.

94pts Wine Spectator

A silky, svelte style, this is expertly reined in by an iron frame of firming mineral energy. Boasts black tea, tar, fresh tobacco and salted cured meat notes that bring savory details, complementing attractive violet, incense and black raspberry paste accents. Vibrant and structured, this is a well-crafted wine that is both seductive and serious. Packs a menthol kick on the long finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drink now through 2032.

93pts James Suckling

A rich, deep and creamy red, yet balanced. Baked cherries, cassis, cocoa powder and baking spices. Full-bodied with very fine tannins. Velvety textured mid-palate with some fresh berry character. Plush yet it remains balanced and flavorful with a generously fruity finish. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

The estate's flagship cuvée, always at the top of international rankings. The robe is dark with purple reflections. On the nose, the still discreet aromas of crushed black fruits and garrigue are just waiting to melt into a noble and fresh substance, to reveal finesse and elegance on the palate.

Pair with hare stew à la Royale.