This Chateauneuf is sublime quality and extreme value. The famously humble Charvin is so traditional that he won't charge nearly the price of his neighbours, despite his vineyards of low-yeilding old vines located in the heart of Chateauneuf. The winemaking too is a traditional treasure, with no oak and instead whole bunch fermentation in concrete tank creating a classic balance of immense fruit purity and layered complexity. Charvin doesn't fuss with top tiers or special cuvees, so this estate bottling offers the full heart and soul of his best fruit. Outstanding wine.
97/100 JamesSuckling.com (2021 Vintage)
"A textural, pure and precise red with aromas of cherries, forest berries, dried roses, wet stones and some mild spices. It's medium-bodied with finely grained tannins and fresh acidity, So much verve and class, with a bright red fruit character and a floral dimension to it. There are spices bringing energy and verve. It's infused yet intense, with a restrained character. Chiseled and refined, with a long, silky finish and a spicy accent."
93/100 Matt Walls, Decanter (2020 Vintage)
"A savoury nose with woodland scents, bark, moss and woody herbs. With good weight on the palate, it’s quite muscular with savoury tannins and finishes dry. Needs time, but will be a food-friendly, savoury and eventually quite complex wine when ready. Organically grown in the northwest of the appellation in lieu-dit Cabrières, on galets roulés and sand. It's whole-bunch fermented and then aged for 21 months in concrete using indigenous yeasts, then bottled unfiltered."