Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine la Crau des Papes Reviews

The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Crau Des Papes (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre) comes all from pebbly soils and is brought up entirely in concrete tank. It has classic darker berry and peppery herbs as well as some subtle iron and nori notes in its medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, elegant profile. The tannins here are nicely integrated, and it has a beautiful sense of freshness as well as solid mid-palate depth.

The full-bodied 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Domaine la Crau des Papes is a fine effort from  this widely distributed négociant. Garrigue, tea and floral notes accent raspberry and cherry fruit in this silky-textured wine, which remains lively and fresh through the long finish.

Lastly, the 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape La Crau des Papes is even better, with ample strawberry, garrigue, black raspberry and floral aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, beautifully textured and with sweet tannin, it’s well worth checking out.

A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the balance Mourvèdre, all from the la Crau lieu-dit, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Crau des Papes offers a more nuanced, layered style than the classic cuvée. Strawberries, leafy green herb, orange blossom and garrigue notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, silky red that has fine tannin and a great finish. It’s going to drink nicely through 2025.

Medium bodied and silky in texture, this is an unusually graceful and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Baked cherries and raspberries on the nose give way to a mix of red and black fruits on the palate, then finish fine, dry and savory.

Aromas of blackberries, plums, and black cherries meld with suggestions of pepper, earth, and balsamic on the nose. Flavors of currant, blackberry, and dark cherry combine with notes of spice, balsamic, and anise on the palate. Smooth tannins and dark concentrated flavors make lamb a fine paring for it. 

Deep ruby. Ripe blueberry and cherry aromas show an expansive character, picking up woodsmoke and floral nuances with air. Fleshy and ample on the palate, offering sweet black and blue fruit flavors and a hint of bitter chocolate. Closes sweet and long, with slow-building tannins and a touch of mocha. 

Silky and refined, with a graceful feel to the raspberry and black cherry fruit, melded with notes of bergamot, anise and black tea. A subtle iron twinge emerges at the very end. Drink now through 2025. –JM