-
97-95
/ 100
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate -
96
/ 100
Gary Walsh -
95
/ 100
Decanter
Red
Classification
Grenache
Variety
2021
Vintage
750ml (Bottle)
Bottle Size
France
Country
Rhone Valley, Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Region
14.5%
Alcohol %
15 Plus Years
Cellaring
Scores
97-95 / 100"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?"
- Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
96 / 100
"100% old vine Grenache grown in sand (a la Rayas). Importer: United Cellars I tasted it quickly, but liked it immediately. ‘This is my kind of CdP’, I thought, quoting myself. Red cherry, floral, rosemary and aromatic herbs. It’s a pretty sort of wine, and very fine in the context of the appellation, red fruits, a pop of juicy cherry, nutty with a light honey character, light but present tannin, freshness and excellent length. A fine touch here. Beautiful wine."
- Gary Walsh
95 / 100
"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."
- Decanter
Tasting Notes
American importer Peter Weygandt and winemaker Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine du Christia collaborate to produce the wines of Chapelle St. Theodoric. These wines are wonderfully aromatic and complex, showcasing density and length on the palate with a light and elegant Burgundian style. Although not inexpensive, they are requisite inclusions for Rhone Valley lovers who appreciate finesse and elegance.
The Domaine du Christia is an organic vineyard that consists of two parcels: one in the lieu-dit "La Guigasse" with a pure sand soil, and the other at the top of Pignan. The La Guigasse parcel has vines that range from 50 to 100 years old, and they are all Grenache. The traditional vinification process includes wild yeasts, minimal extraction, and two to three weeks of vinification with stems. The wines are then aged for two years in 600-liter barrels that are four to ten years old and bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Although the two parcels are vinified, aged, and bottled separately, both are treated the same to experiment and determine the differences in terroir between vines less than 200 meters apart, both with pure Grenache and traditional vinification. The experiment has been successful and exciting, as the difference between the two parcels is clear and distinct. The wine from La Guigasse is slightly richer.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity