96pts Jeb Dunnuck

Based on 100% Grenache from the sandy soils of the Pignan lieu-dit in the north of the appellation, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Grand Pin offers brilliant aromatics of spiced black cherries and mulberries intermixed with piney herbs, pepper, mint, and exotic flowers. Aged 24 months in 100% demi-muids, it's medium-bodied with a tight, nicely concentrated mid-palate, ripe tannins, and outstanding length. This is another beautiful example from this single parcel of sandy soils. There are roughly 270 cases produced.

95pts Decanter

There's a bit more spice and smoke to the whole bunch fruit compared to the Chapelle St Théodoric La Guigasse this year. It's a little fuller in body, with more generous fruit which helps to balance the stemmier elements. Good acidity and it's very fresh, though not terribly concentrated; it has length and intensity nonetheless. Pure whole-bunch Grenache from the sandy soils of Pignan nord, all aged in demi-muids.

95pts Vinous

The pale-ruby-colored 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Grand Pin is spot-on. Sexy orange blossom, grapefruit, ripe strawberry, rosewater and dried herbs come alive. Round and finessed, the medium- to full-bodied 2023 possesses an alluring character and walks off the stage with discrete bitterness on the flavorful finish.

About the Winery

Chapelle St. Theodoric is a project between winemaker Baptiste Grangeon and Peter Weygandt. this cuvee from a parcel at the top of Pignan, literally adjoining the vines of Château Rayas, (which starts around $600-$1000 a bottle!)  in pure sand and also pure, old vines Grenache. The vinification is traditional, that is to say, whole-cluster, such as employed by Jacques Reynaud at Château Rayas, Laurent Charvin, Henri Bonneau.  The Grand Pin, perhaps because the sand is nearly pure white, perhaps the higher elevation or due to some other factor we have not yet determined, makes a wine that is lower in alcohol, more perfumed and finer. This is one of the purest expression possible of grenache, very much reminiscent of Rayas, without the price tag.