Châteauneuf-du-Pape, arguably one of the most acclaimed appellations in France, is also one of its oldest. The name translates to “new home of the Pope,” which dates all the way back to the early 14th century, when the village became the summer residency of the papacy under Pope John XXII.
The area’s wines, which came to be known as “Pope’s Wines,” are equally steeped in history. Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s signature blends are made from 18 approved Rhône varietals, all grown in the region’s legendary rounded stones (galets). Here, whites are far less common than their darker hued brethren, but are just as complex and worthy of time and space in the wine fridge. The appellation’s well-known reds blends, which are dominated by Grenache with Syrah and Mourvèdre, have long been known to be rustic and highly tannic—requiring years of rest to come around. Though there remain plenty of bottles made in this traditional style, a new generation of producers have been diversifying the region’s offerings with cleaner, fresher styles, as well.
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“In the past 20-plus years, the wines have become much more refined,” says Wine Enthusiast Tasting Director and Rhône reviewer Anna-Christina Cabrales. “Winemakers are finding ways to create this beautiful balance. Truly these wines are so attractive to me right now.”
Many of these bottles are ready to drink with a bit of aeration. But some Châteauneuf-du-Papes do benefit from time in the cellar. Translation: Drink some bottles now and stash some away for later.
As for what specifically to snap up? From fresh Grenache to pour at your next dinner party to traditional blends worth storing away for a special occasion in 2030 and beyond, these are the best Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines to buy right now.
Domaine de Beaurenard 2020 Le Boisrenard Red
Fresh aromas of crushed strawberries, dried cranberries, dark plums, rosehip and wild mint meld beautifully in the glass. Its acidity strikes brilliantly against a palate of black cherries, blueberries, blood orange, wild thyme, clove and pulverized green peppercorn. Rustic tannins envelop the palate and yield a long and intense saline finish. Cellaring through 2030+ should yield stunning complexities. Cellar Selection. 96 Points — Anna-Christina Cabrales
Domaine Chante Cigale 2020 Vieilles Vignes
Profuse deep blackberry aromas, along with cassis, black olives and wild mint sit atop fresh potting soil. The palate is coated with fine youthful tannins, contributing dark and elegant bitter contrast to its fruit. This wine will display tremendous integration with bottle aging through 2035+. 96 Points — A. C.
Domaine Santa Duc 2020 Le Pied De Baud
Pure, concentrated flavors of black olives, dried herbs and blackberries amid an intensely floral and smoky aromatic core. Opulent on the palate, with added layers of violets, tea and flint. While approachable now with a proper decant, its intense drying tannins hint at cellaring well through 2030+ before revisiting, which should result in remarkable integration and greater complexity. 96 Points — A.C.
André Brunel 2020 Les Cailloux
This energetic wine aged in concrete vat quickly evolves on the palate with vibrant acidity. The palate offers ripe orchard fruits, quince and white flowers. Structured yet elegant, it conveys the ripeness of fruit and warmth from the Cailloux stones. Cellar through 2028 and beyond for additional complexity. 93 Points — A.C.
Tardieu-Laurent 2020 Galets d’Or
High aromatic complexity in this stunning presentation of black cherries, fresh cranberries, rhubarb, wild strawberries, plums, wild thyme and earth. The palate is deep and brooding, with black fruit penetrating through its stone layer. Persistent youthful tannins and a rush of acidity demonstrate its tremendous capacity for cellar well through 2035+. 96 Points — A.C.
Clos Bellane 2018 Urgonien
This sophisticated expression is compelling now with each sip. Dark fruits like blackberries, blueberries and herbal tones fuel the nose, while stewed mulberries and raspberries coat the palate. Mouthquenching acidity and rustic tannins draw out a long, velvety and seductive finish. Editor’s Choice. 95 Points — A.C.
Domaine de la Mordorée 2020 La Dame Voyageuse
This full-bodied wine has a decadent nose of black plum, red cherry, rhubarb, licorice, rose potpourri, cinnamon, clove and freshly turned earth. The palate is structured with concentrated black plum and black licorice up front, followed by a midpalate of warm baking spices, earth and a green peppercorn finish. Its velvety texture and ripe-fruit profile make this bottling easy to enjoy now. 94 Points — A. C.
M. Chapoutier 2019 La Bernardine
Château La Nerthe 2019 Cuvée des Cadettes
Clos du Mont-Olivet 2020 La Cuvée du Papet
Fragrant wafts of thyme immediately greet the nose, followed by a layer of fresh black and red cherries, eucalyptus and violets. The palate presents concentrated dark round fruit, lifted by high tones of fresh apple and white tea leaf. Its youthful tannins suggests cellaring well through 2028. 94 Points — A.C.
Domaine Chante Cigale 2020 Pi Grenache
The freshness and verve are immediate, along with harmonious aromas of bramble, rose petals, white peppercorn and warm baking spices melding in the glass. The palate is abundantly dark and juicy with round drying tannins that remain long on the palate. An incredible wine. 95 Points— A.C.
Domaine Pierre Usseglio et Fils 2020 Réserve Des 2 Frères Red
Vibrant aromas of black cherries, wild strawberries, cassis, fresh mint and rosemary linger on the nose. Cedarwood and thyme notes emerge with further aeration. The palate is juicy with lush waves of blackberries, blueberries, light baking spice and clove. Rustic tannins frame the fruit beautifully and should further integrate from additional cellaring well through 2035+. Cellar Selection. 95 Points — A.C.
Domaine la Boutinière 2020 Red
High-toned red fruit aromas immediately take center stage, while rosehip, violets, mint leaves, brown button mushroom, coriander, earth and clove add depth. The palate is a bit austere, yet offers fine tannins that seem to be integrating well. Greater layers of complexities should unfold after cellaring well through 2035+. 93 Points — A.C.
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