CDP La Guigasse, Chapelle Saint Theodoric 2021

From 75-year-old Grenache grown in sandy soils, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape La Guigasse was fermented as whole clusters and will spend two whole years in older demi-muids. On the nose, intriguing spice, herbal and savory notes provide a compelling counterpoint to the cherry and raspberry fruit, while the medium to full-bodied palate is concentrated and rather sappy, finishing bright, fresh and long. The wine of the vintage?

Wow!' was my reaction. Simply gorgeous aromatics, pulling in garrigue herbs, blood orange, redcurrant, liquorice and pine resin. Light in tannin, but a lovely sense of freshness, good acidity and a lovely detailed finish. Tannins are fine and slight. A compelling, Burgundian Grenache. This is pure whole-bunch Grenache grown on sand at the lieu-dit La Guigasse, aged for 24 months in demi-muid. 4,800 bottles made. (Drink between 2023-2035)