90pts James Suckling

This excellent Southern French rosé neatly combines the fine red berry aromas we expect from this category with a moderately rich mouthfeel, then the freshness kicks in at the bright and pristine finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink now.

90pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Le Poutet checks in as 81% Grenache, 15% Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the remaining 4% Carignan. Coming from the sandy soils just across the border from Châteauneuf du Pape, near the estate in the northwest sector of the region, its medium ruby hue is followed by a classy bouquet of ripe red fruits, herbes de Provence, sandalwood, and hints of white pepper. I love its overall balance, and it's medium-bodied, elegant, has fine, polished tannins, and outstanding length. It will shine for a solid decade.

Winemaker Notes

This is classic Charvin and offers lots of kirsch and blackberry fruits, garrigue, white pepper and sappy herbs in its medium-bodied, polished, elegant, yet tight and firm personality. Give it a year or two in bottle and it will still be drinking beautifully in 10 years.

About the Winery

Founded in 1851, Laurent Charvin is the sixth generation to run the family estate. Soon after he took over from his father, Laurent dispensed with most modern winemaking technologies and converted the estate's entire 28 hectares (including 10 ha of Châteauneuf-du-Pape) to organic viticulture. Vinification begins with traditional whole-cluster fermentation. In addition to leaving the stems, elevage is uniquely undertaken in concrete tank - no barrel. Until recently, Laurent was almost the only grower to continue to vinify traditionally.

But following success and recognition, many have begun to follow Laurent's lead. Indeed, Laurent is regarded as one of the top wine-makers in the appellation by Guy Julien, renowned owner of the restaurant Beaugraviére in Mondragon, as well as other top sommeliers and wine writers in France. As of 2023, Domaine Charvin now joins only Clos des Papes, Clos du Mont-Olivet, Château Rayas, and Le Vieux Donjon as 3-star rated producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape by the RVF Green Guide.

Blend: 81% Grenache, 15% Syrah&Mourvèdre, 4% Carignan