Domaine Charvin: Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Laurent Charvin runs this small family estate located in the north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The domaine has vineyard holdings of just 8 hectares in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and 13 hectares in Cotes du Rhone.  The average age of the vineyards is over 50 years old with the oldest being nearly 80 years of age. Laurent Charvin describes his vineyard site as being ‘cool’ for Chateauneuf as their vines are mostly planted on sandy north facing slopes.

 Charvin produces finely styled Grenache based wines showing great depth and finesse (approximately 80% Grenache for each wine with small amounts of Vacaresse and Mourvedre as well as small amounts of Carignan and Bourboulenc for the Cotes du Rhone). Winemaking is traditional with no de-stemming and all ageing is done in cement tanks. No wood is used for the elevage of either wine. There are no secrets here, simply old vines, very low yields and minimal winemaking intervention. The Cotes du Rhone is regularly rated as one of the very best from this area.

“I always find Charvin’s wines closest to those of Chateau Rayas, although the Charvin wines are slightly more concentrated.”  Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate #191, Oct 2010

2009 Domaine Charvin Cotes du Rhone le Poutet

“More serious, complex and earthy is the 2009 Cotes du Rhone, a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Carignan that offers abundant aromas of loamy, earthy, sandy soil notes intermixed with black cherry, spice box and pepper. It is a classic southern Rhone to drink over the next 2-3 years.” 87pts Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate

2008 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape

“Charvin’s 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape is a sexy, medium to full-bodied effort with far more depth, richness and seductive powers than most Chateauneuf-du-Papes in this vintage. A classic blend of 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre, Syrah and Vaccarese has resulted in a deep plum/ruby hued 2008 displaying loads of kirsch licorice and pepper notes. The Fruit is sweet, the tannins silky and the wine very seductive and evolved. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.”  90pts Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate

“This is on the red fruit side of the spectrum, with cherry currant and pomegranate notes, but they’re well stitched, with nicely grippy tobacco, mineral and spice notes that add length on the finish. Well knit for the vintage. Best from 2012 to 2020.” 92pts Wine Spectator Feb 28, 2011 

2009 Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape -  April 2012

“The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape (which tips the scales around 15% natural alcohol) is a great example of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape winemaking. A dense dark ruby color is followed by a sexy nose of raspberries, ground pepper, spice box, damp earth, kirsch and dark currants. Full-bodied, complex, elegant and already irresistible as the tannins have completely melted away, it can be drunk now and over the next 15+ years.” 95pts Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate

 

 

“Charvin’s 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape is one of the sexiest, most seductive and complete wines of the vintage.” Robert Parker—The Wine Advocate #185, Oct 2009