2022 Éric Texier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

Aromas of ripe black cherry, wild blackberry, dried lavender, and ground pepper lead into an expressive, medium-to-full-bodied palate. Flavors of dark plum, roasted fig, licorice, and wild garrigue herbs mesh with a subtle smoky, iron-rich mineral note. The texture is structured yet fluid, supported by fine, persistent tannins and fresh, integrated natural acidity through a savory, spice-laced finish.

Grapes from ancient vines are hand-harvested and subjected to rigorous selection. Spontaneous fermentation occurs with native yeasts in neutral vessels using low-intervention methods, including minimal added sulfur. The wine ages in a combination of old oak barrels and large foudres for over a year, softening its tannic architecture while keeping the pure fruit expression and aromatic herbs front and center without new oak influence.

Grapes are grown on historic old-vine plots within Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the southern Rhône Valley. The vineyards feature classic regional soils of sandy marl, limestone, and heat-retaining galets roulés (large rounded quartz stones). Situated in a warm Mediterranean climate tempered by the Mistral wind, the site yields low crops of intensely concentrated fruit balanced by cool night breezes.