Clos du Caillou Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition 2023

Wine Critic Reviews

Wine Review Online (98): Founded in 1895 by Elie Dussaud, Le Clos du Caillou began as a hunting preserve, a quirk of history that ironically led to its exclusion from the official Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation when it was established in the 1930s. In 1996, Sylvie Vacheron and her husband, Jean-Denis Vacheron, left their native Sancerre to take on the challenge of revitalizing the estate. Their efforts are on full display in the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Réserve. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, it delivers a deep, concentrated bouquet of black cherries, violets, lilac, herbs, and spice. The palate is layered and expressive, with a dense core of vibrant fruit framed by refined, structured tannins. Plush yet powerful, it approachable today with extended decanting. However, with additional time in bottle, it promises to develop even greater complexity and depth, evolving into something truly extraordinary.

Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider (96): Kirsch liqueur, licorice, flowers, Asian spice, mint, and smoked red fruits create the nose. On the palate, the wine is creamy, lush and supple. The layers of sweet, ripe, fruits deliver freshness, energy, length, depth and elegance. This is in contention for the wine of the vintage. The wine is produced from a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Mourvedre. Drink from 2024-2040.