Southern France

Arguably the most well-known of the Southern Rhône’s crus, the name Châteauneuf-du-Pape translates to “new home of the Pope.” It references a time in the early 14th century when Pope John XXII built a summer castle in the area, the remains of which are still found in the main village in France. Today, more than 90% of the region’s production is red wines. Grenache is the key grape in Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines though many bottlings also feature Syrah and Mourvèdre. However, when making Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, producers can formulate cuvées from any of the appellation’s 13 permitted grape varieties. The best iterations are richly fruited and opulent, but maintain finessed structure and elegance. Here are some of the top scoring wines from the latest released vintages. Alain Jaume et Fils 2019 Vieux Terron (Châteauneuf-du-Pape); $56. Brandy-soaked black cherries and crushes of basalt introduce this intensely fruity... SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW Brotte 2019 Domaine Barville (Châteauneuf-du-Pape); $40. This blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre is a showcase of Grenache’s easy, juicy blackberry... SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW Clos St Antonin 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape; $62. Mulled blueberries and dewy rose-petal notes perfume this silk-textured Grenache... SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW Domaine de la Janasse 2019 Chaupin (Châteauneuf-du-Pape); $88. This Grenache is sourced from the sandy soils of two prized vineyards, La Janasse and La Crau... SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW Domaine de la Solitude 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape; $48. Camphor and smoked tea subtly accent black currant and cherry in this blend of Grenache... SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW Domaine du Grand Tinel 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape; $60. Unadorned by oak, this lip smackingly fruity, luminous blend of Grenache and Syrah puts sun-drenched raspberry... SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW Domaine Santa Duc 2018 Les Saintes Vierges (Châteauneuf-du-Pape); $55. Perfumes of violet and rose petal linger from nose to finish in this graceful red... SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW E. Guigal 2018 Château de Nalys Grand Vin (Châteauneuf-du-Pape); $105. The flagship wine of de Nalys sourced from the famed La Crau vineyard, this powerful, complex red... SEE SCORE AND FULL REVIEW Kirkland Signature 2019 Cuvée du Terroir des Papes (Châteauneuf-du-Pape); $20. This is a plump but concentrated blend of 70% Grenache augmented by equal parts Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault... SEE SCORE AND FULL Vignobles Mayard 2018 La Crau de Ma Mère (Châteauneuf-du-Pape); $60. Centenary vines of Grenache are augmented by 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre in this swooning... SEE SCORE AND FULL