Domaine Giraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenache de Pierre 2023

Made entirely from ungrafted, organically-farmed, 100-years-old Grenache vines grown around Pignan, this unique cuvée is dedicated to Marie & Francois’ father – Pierre – who so much loved this old parcels. Grapes are picked in several batches to allow perfect ripeness and are usually fully destemmed. After fermentation with indigenous yeasts, the wine was aged for 18 months in cement vats to retain purity of fruit. Its powerful nose is reminiscent of fresh strawberry compote, raspberries, cherries tinged with thyme, wild juniper and violet. Seamless, pure and long. Despite its great ageing potential, its intoxicating fragrance makes it absolutely moreish even in this youthful phase of its life.

93+/100 - Notes of menthol, spices, dark wild berries and garrigue introduce the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Grenaches de Pierre. Medium- to full-bodied, dense and concentrated, it rests on a solid tannic chassis, revealing a fleshy core of fruit and concludes with a long, spicy finish accented by hints of tobacco. Slightly firm on the back end, this powerful cuvée will benefit from time in the cellar to fully unwind and reveal its finesse. - Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate