Wine Reviews

Partially destemmed and matured in a mix of new barrels (25%), foudres (50%) and used barrels, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes is a resounding success, confirming the estate’s stylistic evolution toward greater charm and accessibility in youth while retaining a deep, concentrated backbone. Aromas of lilac, rose, dark cherries and garrigue introduce a medium- to full-bodied palate that is seamless and enveloping, with a fleshy core of fruit, velvety tannins and a sappy, energetic texture.

The 2024 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes opens with refined spiciness, mingling licorice, cardamom, wild strawberry and white pepper. Black cherry and crushed rocks lend further aromatic breadth. Full-bodied and concentrated, the 2024 has the substance and class to evolve beautifully, but patience will be required. Give it at least five more years in a cool cellar to reveal its full potential.

An expressive Châteauneuf-du-Pape that showcases ripe red fruits, cedar, wood smoke, rose petal and a pinch of garrigue. Structured with ripe tannins and markedly concentrated, the full-throttle 2023 rounds out with persistence through the savory close

A well-balanced, textural and well-crafted Chateauneuf-du-Pape with dark cherries, spiced plums, warm spices, licorice and some roasted meat as well. Full-bodied with fine tannins. Plush but in control, with drive, balance and intensity all coming together.

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée des Cadettes (40% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah aged in 25% new barrels) is cut from the same cloth yet shows a slightly more modern style in its black raspberry, wild strawberry, spicy wood, peppery garrigue, and floral aromatics and flavors. It’s medium-bodied, nicely balanced, has building yet ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. It handles its oak beautifully, and this will have two decades of overall longevity.