Charvin Cotes du Rhone 20

2020 Domaine Charvin Côtes du Rhône Le Poutet 750 ml & 1500 ml - due June 2022
’From 2010 81% Grenache (av age 40 yrs in 2012, youngest 2004, 1992, oldest 1920s), 7.5% Syrah (1985), 7.5% Mourvèdre (1985, a recently rented plot), 5% Carignan (1950s), before was 85% Grenache (av age 40 yrs in 2008, youngest 1992, oldest 1920s), 10% Syrah (1985), 5% Carignan (1950s) from near Maucoil, Quartier Champovin, Boislauzon, sandy, clay-limestone, some galet stones soils, light crush, whole bunch 15-20 day fermentation, daily pumping overs, press wine added, concrete vat raised 18 months, fined, unfiltered, up to 50,000 b’
’(vat, bottling Feb 2022) red robe; the nose carries a light essence of cooked plum fruit, strawberry jam, pepper, peony. It’s wide, will emerge and evolve well. The palate is close-knit, herbal-peppery, lined with red cherry, brisk fruits, cut in the tannins that still stand a little on the outside. Its frame is a bit skeletal, can amplify. There is rocky powder emphasis on the close, the length good. I like its gradual upping of the tempo, depth. It has interest, hidden corners, is not an open book. “It’s very fresh, always had foundation. 2019 is powerful, but 2020 bears jolis fruits, has true class, an identity,” Laurent Charvin. 14.5°. From 2024, decant. 2038-40 Oct 2021’ 4 stars, John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com, The Cradle Of The Rhône, October 2021.

“While I wasn’t able to taste it for this report, Laurent also fashions a brilliant Côtes du Rhône that is well worth seeking out and cellaring.“ Jeb Dunnuck, March 2021