Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Le Bouquet des Garrigues 2020

75% Grenache Noir, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, Carignan and Counoise from 50 year-old vines, yielding only 30 hl/ha. This fruit all comes from the lieu-dit of Les Garrigues Nord which adjoins Coudoulet in the northern part of Chateauneuf du Pape (where Chateau Beaucastel is located). Hand-picked and hand-sorted, then natural-yeast fermented in a mix of concrete and stainless steel tanks, with 5% whole bunches included. Cuvaison lasts 30 days with extraction via pumpover and delestage (rack and return). Matured for 14 months in 50% old foudres (1000 L) and demi-muids (600 L) and 50% concrete tanks.

‘Still maturing in a mix of foudres and wooden cuves at the time of my visit, the 2020 Cotes du Rhone Le Bouquet des Garrigues—a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Cinsault, Counoise and Mourvèdre—boasts vibrant aromas of lavender and ripe red raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, smooth, silky and complex. Drink 2022-2030.’ (90-93) points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, May 2022.