94pts Vinous

Vinified from younger vines, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sablons is gorgeously fresh. Red-fruited, floral and citric, this medium- to full-bodied, distinctively elegant red is one of the most refreshing samples I tasted this year. The finish is long and complex.

93pts Jeb Dunnuck

Based on 100% Grenache and aged in old barrels, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Sablons offers spiced strawberries, mint, sappy flowers, and Christmas spice aromatics. It's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant mouthfeel, nicely integrated tannins, and outstanding length. This clearly outstanding 2023 will offer pleasure right out of the gate. There are roughly 470 cases produced. Drink 2025-2030.

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.