98pts James Suckling

Plenty of class, a subtle texture, balance and precision. It shows aromas of raspberries, red cherries, roasted meat, warm spices and some leather. Medium- to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins. The texture is so refined, restrained and savory, with a long, precise, chiseled finish. Almost crunchy, with an attractive note of orange peel. A complete red wine that’s 20% grenache with syrah, mourvedre, counoise and vaccarese.

95pts Wine Advocate

Still in tank at the time of tasting, Charvin’s 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape shows a less flamboyant profile than last year, opening with aromas of menthol, spices, cassis and mulberries. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and layered, it reveals a lively, tensile core of fruit framed by velvety tannins, concluding with a finish marked by real freshness. Matured for 21 months, this blend of 82% Grenache Noir, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 4% Vaccarèse and the balance Counoise is another impressive success from Laurent Charvin, emphasizing precision and vibrancy over sheer opulence.

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: 80% Grenache, 7% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre