Clos Saint-Jean Chateauneuf du Pape 2022

Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in the early 1900s, Clos Saint-Jean is a renowned Rhone Valley winery located in Chateauneuf du Pape and widely considered one of the most renowned for its modern winemaking style. The estate spans over 40 hectares of vineyards located primarily in Le Crau and farmed using sustainable agricultural practices. The blend for the Chateauneuf du Pape Clos Saint-Jean is the same as that created by the founder of the domain, Edmond Tacussel, and includes a majority of Grenache and small additions, in decreasing proportion, of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Vaccareze, and Muscardin. The grapes come from vineyards planted on clay soils with pebbles. After harvest and fermentation in concrete tanks at a controlled temperature, the aging takes place for 9 months, separately by grape variety. The Grenache ages in concrete vats and the other grapes in barrels. Bottling follows the lunar calendar. In the glass, the wine reveals an attractive aromatic profile with notes of ripe red berries and sweet spices, followed by hints of cedar. On the palate, it is intense and concentrated, full-bodied and rounded with soft tannins and a pleasant fruit concentration. The finish is long and slightly spicy. It is the ideal wine for oxtail soup and grilled lamb chops.

Price: £33.07 from 8wines UK