Château Mont-Redon

Château Mont-Redon will be familiar to those who know and love Châteauneuf-du-Pape being well recognized as the owners of one of the most highly regarded vineyard sites in the appellation. The superb quality of its vineyards has been recognized throughout history and prior to the adaptation of the appellation controlee system it was one of the few ‘Grand Crus’ in the region (together with Chateau Rayas).

With almost 100 hectares of Chateauneuf-du-Pape under vine, the majority of Mont-Redon’s vineyards are located in the appellation’s most favoured area, the high plateau which is covered in the large round pudding stones galets roulets that Châteauneuf is so well known for. At this high point the huge pudding stone galets lie over a rich layer of clay which retains water and keeps the earth below cool as it helps the vines resist the torrid heat of each summer. In the 1960s some limestone terroir on the western edge of the appellation was planted to white varieties which are perfectly suited to limestone soil and give whites of great freshness and purity. This remarkable property is in fact a single vineyard which is very unusual in Châteauneuf-du-Pape where holdings are usually quite scattered and parcelated.

There has been considerable investment at Mont-Redon over the past twenty years. The entire winery has been completely renewed and is now naturally climate controlled utilising the water which lies deep below the clay plateau. From this water, cool air spills down into the winery cooling every level so that the whole winery retains a very cool temperature with natural humidity. Rows of oak barriques have replaced the old large foudres of yesteryear, and large temperature controlled stainless steel vats now line the walls, resulting in wines of freshness and finesse in both red and white wines. More recently optical sorting machines at harvest time have helped to remove any unripe or shriveled grapes as well as any vegetation resulting in remarkable precision for every single wine.

In recent years the developments have continued at a great pace with Pierre Fabre being installed as wine-maker from 2008 and in 2017 Pierre took over management of the estate from his father and uncle. In 2017 he produced the first Gigondas from purchased fruit and in 2019 the purchase of more vineyards have been made in the southern Rhône. This remarkable estate will continue to develop apace as the potential of its great terroir is realised under the guardianship of Pierre Fabre.

Mont-Redon is clearly a candidate for not only the most improved producer and the best value producer of the Southern Rhône but now also one the very best producers in the large historic appellation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Mont-Redon looks destined to become one of the highest achievers of the Rhône Valley in the coming decade. Recent reviews confirm this trend.

‘The largest estate at Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and historically the best known abroad, is the Château Mont-Redon, which has a 95 hectare vineyard. It is one of the showpieces of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with healthy, carefully tended vineyards and a spotless efficiency inside the cellars.’ The Wines of the Rhône, John Livingstone-Learmonth.

White wines

”Mont-Redon is the largest producer of white Chateauneuf, and the quality is excellent.” Remington Norman, Rhone Renaissance.

2022 Reserve Mont-Redon Côtes du Rhône blanc (Stelvin)
80 % Viognier, 10 % Grenache Blanc, 10 % Clairette, whole-bunch pressed, then cool-fermented in stainless steel, without malolactic conversion. Matured on fine lees for a few months and bottled in the February following vintage.
‘Mostly Viognier, the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Blanc will give Guigal’s Côtes Du Rhône a run for its money. Fresh peach, orange blossom, and tropical flowers all define the aromatics, and it’s medium-bodied, supple, and elegant, with a terrific sense of freshness.' 91 points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc - due 2025
55 % Grenache blanc, 20 % Clairette, 10 % Bourboulenc, 10 % Roussanne and 5 % Picpoul, whole-bunch pressed and cold settled, then cool-fermented in stainless steel at about 15 °C over 3 to 4 weeks, without malolactic conversion. Matured on fine lees for 4 to 8 months depending on vintage.
‘Bright apple, citrus, and minty herb notes all emerge from the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc, a rocking little white that has medium-bodied richness, a juicy, lively mouthfeel, and an undeniable sense of salty minerality on the finish. Based on 55% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 15% Roussanne, and 10% Picpoul Blanc, it's going to benefit from 6-12 months of bottle age and mostly like evolve for well over a decade, although I'd drink bottles through 2027.' 93 points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2024.
‘Evoking fresh and delicate aromas of ripe orchard fruits, white fruits, spices and spring blossoms, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc is medium to full-bodied, juicy and mouth coating, with a velvety attack, a satiny mid-palate and a long, fresh, saline finish. This blend of 55% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, 15% Roussanne and 10% Picpoul Blanc, matured entirely in stainless steel, is a real success.’ 92+ points, Yohan Castaing, The Wine Advocate, September 2024.

2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc
55 % Grenache blanc, 20 % Clairette, 10 % Bourboulenc, 10 % Roussanne and 5 % Picpoul, whole-bunch pressed and cold settled, then cool-fermented in stainless steel at about 15 °C over 3 to 4 weeks, without malolactic conversion. Matured on fine lees for 4 to 8 months depending on vintage.
‘Incredibly mineral and saline with astonishing focus and precision for this very warm location. Great lemon aromas ranging from blossoms to the peel. Great concentration, but no less vitality. Amazingly long finish that reminds me of great Alsace dry rieslings, like Clos St. Hune! Drink or hold.’ 96 points, James Suckling, April 2023.
‘The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc is Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and smaller amounts of Roussanne, Picpoul, and Bourboulenc. Ripe citrus, crushed stone, white flowers, and even a kiss of brioche all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with a pure, elegant mouthfeel, good acidity, and a great finish. It's going to evolve for 10-12 years, if not longer, if well stored.' 93+ points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Plateau de Mont-Redon’ blanc - due 2025
The fourth vintage of this tiny selection of the best parcels of the best vineyards of the estate made from 1/3 Clairette and 2/3 Grenache Blanc. Mont-Redon have long been regarded as one of the best producers of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape (and one the largest) owning some of the best limestone terroir that suits some of the white varieties so perfectly. Pierre Fabre has been selected the best parcels from limestone terroir for Clairette giving great freshness, and some old vines of Grenache blanc on sand and working with extended less contact and some barrel he has achieved some remarkable results with the white Chateauneufs in recent vintages. Super limited.
‘On another level, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Plateau Blanc (which was bottled just before my trip) checks in as 70% Grenache Blanc and 30% Clairette raised in new barrels. Its light gold hue is followed by a gorgeous nose of ripe citrus, orange blossom, crushed stone, and spicy, minty nuances. It has nicely integrated background oak, medium to full body, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's another brilliant white from this team that readers should snatch up.' 96 points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2024

“WHEN 2021 WHITES ARE GOOD, THEY ARE EXTREMELY GOOD” John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com

2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc - sold out of 750ml - last cases of 375ml
55 % Grenache blanc, 20 % Clairette, 10 % Bourboulenc, 10 % Roussanne and 5 % Picpoul, whole-bunch pressed and cold settled, then cool-fermented in stainless steel at about 15 °C over 3 to 4 weeks, without malolactic conversion. Matured on fine lees for 4 to 8 months depending on vintage. Mont-Redon have long been regarded as one of the best producers of white Châteauneuf-du-Pape (and are also one the largest) owning some of the best limestone terroir that suits some of the white varieties so perfectly.
‘Wonderful interplay of oily and creamy richness with concentrated candied citrus character and very intense chalky minerality, making this a very exciting white Chateauneuf. Still just beginning a long life, but already beginning to pick up complexity from bottle maturation. Drink or hold.’ 95 points, James Suckling, April 2023.

Red wines

‘I love seeing Pierre Fabre bring Mont-Redon back to its prior glory. I think this estate is unquestionably producing some of the top wines of the appellation today, and that should be no surprise given the incredible terroir of this estate.’ Jeb Dunnuck October 2023

2022 Reserve Mont-Redon Côtes du Rhône rouge (Stelvin)
A blend of 80 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah this wine has all the perfume and fleshy generosity of fully ripe Grenache fruit with freshness and finesse of tannins and that faint hint of Provence herbs that makes southern Rhone reds, and Mont-Redon, so popular. Amazing value.
‘The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Reserve checks in as 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that's mostly from the limestone soils in Lirac. Blackberries, ripe cherries, peppery herbs, and floral notes all show, and it's medium-bodied, has a balanced, elegant mouthfeel, fine tannins, and a great finish. Readers looking for an impeccably made, high-quality Côtes Du Rhône to drink over the coming 5-6 years or more should grab some.’ (88-90) points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2022 Domaine du Joncier Lirac rouge - NOW AVAILABLE
48 % Grenache, 35 % Mourvèdre and 17 % Syrah from very low yields of 15 hl/ha coming from the Vallongues plateau of pebble terroir of this bio-dynamic estate which was purchased by Mont-Redon in 2022. Labelled as Domaine du Joncier and made at Domaine du Joncier and marketed by Mont-Redon (similar to their bio-dynamic estate in Cairanne bought some years previously). Fully destemmed with gentle pumping over of the wine followed by aging for 15 months in stainless steel for Grenache and Mourvedre and in Burgundy barrels for Syrah. Bottled without fining or filtering. This wine is incredibly impressive with great energy and intensity while remaining very supple elegant and fresh. An eye-opening wine and remarkable success and a great addition to the already outstanding estate Lirac from Mont-Redon (of which 1/3rd is from these vineyards at Joncier).

A voluptuous, well-balanced and charming Lirac red with aromas of dark cherries, plums, warm spices and wet stones on the nose. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. Juicy center palate with pulpy dark cherries and a refreshing core of purple berries. Well-driven and focused with a flavorful finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.’ 92 points, James Suckling, May 2024.

‘From an estate purchased by Mont-Redon in 2022 (they had previously purchased these grapes), the 2022 Lirac is 80% Grenache and 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Blue fruits, candied strawberries, violets, and some exotic spice notes all define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, with a supple, elegant mouthfeel and a great finish. This ripe, sexy, exuberant Lirac will easily be an outstanding wine.’ (90-92) points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2022 Lirac rouge - due April 2025
70 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah and 10 % Mourvèdre totally de-stemmed with ferment up to 3 weeks and aged 2/3 in tank and 1/3 in barrel for 18 months before assembling and bottling and ageing another 4 months under cork before sale. These vineyards were purchased in 1997.
‘Fascinating nose of graphite and forest berries with a touch of dried rosemary. The fine tannins give the full-bodied palate an elegance rare in this appellation, which has a reputation for rusticity. Polished finish. 70% grenache, 20% syrah and 10% other varieties. 70% was matured in tanks and 30% in Burgundy barrels. Drink or hold.’ 93 points, James Suckling, May 2024.
‘Gorgeous black cherries, hints of cassis, spring flowers, and subtle oak all define the Grenache-dominated 2022 Lirac, a medium to full-bodied Lirac offering beautiful tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length.’ (90-92) points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2022 Reserve Mont-Redon Gigondas rouge - due April 2025
80 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah and Mourvèdre, from 70+ year-old vines in two lieu-dits in the north of the appellation, in roughly equal proportions. Notre-Dame-des-Pallières is a south facing site at about 200m, whilst Pallière et Pied-Gu is north-facing and at 300m. The fruit from Notre-Dame-des-Pallières is fully de-stemmed, that from Pallière et Pied-Gu fermented as whole bunches and each parcel is on skins for about 25 days. Malo is completed in tank and then 60% of each parcel is transferred to 228L barriques for 16 months, before blending and bottling.
This 6th vintage of Gigondas by Pierre Fabre and his team at Mont-Redon is a resounding success. Top notes of garrigue and spice overlay a deliciously voluminous palate of red forest berries. The tannins are deep and rich yet also remarkably fine and silky and the wine finishes long and clean with good acidity. Remarkably good now and will cellar for a decade or more.
‘I loved the 2022 Gigondas Réserve from Mont-Redon, which is clearly a wine in their style, with ample classic character as well as some discrete oak. A blend 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah raised in Burgundy barrels, it has a killer nose of kirsch and darker berries as well as leather, graphite, and pepper. This carries to a medium to full-bodied Gigondas with plenty of mid-palate depth, ripe, building tannins, fabulous overall balance, and a great finish. It's a classic Gigondas that will benefit from 2-3 years in the cellar and cruise over the following decade or more.’ 91 points, Jeb Dunnuck, May 2024.

2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - due April 2025 375 ml & 750 ml & 1500 ml
60 % Grenache Noir, 30 % Syrah, 8 % Mourvèdre & 2 % Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin & Vaccarèse. Hand harvested and 100 % destemmed before fermentation over 15 to 20 days, with extraction via plunging the cap as required. Following the malolactic, a rigorous selection is performed and batches that do not meet the Estate’s quality criteria are sold in bulk. The selected batches are matured for 12 months in approximately 50 % barrels and 50 % stainless steel tanks. At this point another selection is made and any lesser batches are again sold in bulk. The final blend is then assembled in tank and matured for a further 6 months before bottling, then a further 4 to 6 months in bottle before it is available for shipping.
A well-composed, structured and refined Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The nose reveals notes of dark cherries, cassis, dried thyme, black pepper and a touch of violets. It's full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. The frame of tannins shape up the palate, with dark berries at the core. Plenty of spices and grilled herb character on the palate bring vibrancy and drive. Robust and focused, and the funneled finish has length. Try after 2028. 96 points, James Suckling, May 2024.
The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is brought up in used Burgundy barrels and stainless steel and is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. Black raspberries, subtle cassis, graphite, pepper, and beautifully integrated oak define this classy beauty, and it's medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with building, ripe tannins and a great finish. This is a gorgeous wine in the making, but it will probably take 7-8 years to hit maturity. This could be up there with the legendary Mont-Redons. Tasted twice with consistent results. 93-95+ points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023

2021 vintage
In short, 2021 exudes grace and freshness, complemented by widespread tannin quality, good structure and sufficient but not excessive concentration. When talking to winemakers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, I often sense that some hold a more reserved opinion of wines produced from less opulent years compared to more powerful and flamboyant vintages such as 2019. But au contraire: the 2021 reds have broad appeal. The distinctive feature of 2021 is the abundance of bright acidity, neatly complementing flavor concentration, which gives the wines a delightful sense of elegance and freshness. The generally lower alcohol levels further contribute to their refined character. Vinous Media, June 2023

2021 Lirac rouge
70 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah and 10 % Mourvèdre totally de-stemmed with ferment up to 3 weeks and aged 2/3 in tank and 1/3 in barrel for 18 months before assembling and bottling and ageing another 4 months under cork before sale. These vineyards were purchased in 1997.
’(vat/casks) dark red; the nose has a salted tone, with a hint of violets and gently aromatic black fruit on the inside, a touch of charry oak. The palate serves comfortable content with a tasty centre, bonny juice in the fruit with a ripe level of tannin accompanying it. It’s a well organised, gourmand Lirac rouge, has southern virtues of round, textured appeal, the fruit lasting well. The oak on the finish needs to drop back, so leave until mid-2024. It would have been more highly rated with less oak. 14.5°. 80,000 b. 70% Gren, 20% Syr, 10% Mourv. From 2024. 2033-35’ John Livingstone-Learmonth. drinkrhone.com, February 2023
A deeply hued and surprisingly concentrated 2021, the 2021 Lirac has lots of ripe cherry and Provençal herb and spice notes to go with a medium-bodied, layered, elegant style on the palate. It's a terrific 2021 that readers will love. 90 points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023

‘The reputation of Châteauneuf was built on its being the most elegant and complex wine of the southern Rhône not the most massive and that's the style that Mont-Redon pursues.’ Pierre Fabre (wine-maker and proprietor)

2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge 375 ml & 750 ml & 1500 ml
60 % Grenache Noir, 30 % Syrah, 8 % Mourvèdre & 2 % Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin & Vaccarèse. Hand harvested and 100 % destemmed before fermentation over 15 to 20 days, with extraction via plunging the cap as required. Following the malolactic, a rigorous selection is performed and batches that do not meet the Estate’s quality criteria are sold in bulk. The selected batches are matured for 12 months in approximately 50 % barrels and 50 % stainless steel tanks. At this point another selection is made and any lesser batches are again sold in bulk. The final blend is then assembled in tank and matured for a further 6 months before bottling, then a further 4 to 6 months in bottle before it is available for shipping.

‘The deep nose of elderberries, wet earth and licorice pulls you into this full-bodied, concentrated but very elegant Chateauneuf. Very fine, focused tannins that counterpoint the juiciness on the mid-palate and drive the very long, bright and minerally finish. A grenache-based cuvee that is 60% from vineyards with galet cobblestones, 10% on sandy soils and the rest from limestone soil. Drink or hold.’ 95 points, Stuart Pigott, JS Wine Ratings, June 2024.

2020 vintage

“A VINTAGE OF HARMONY. Harmony is the word of the vintage, with aromatics good on the leaders. The best wines hold very attractive fruit, with tannins well on the inside. Where tannins are noticeable – and dry – that is more due to the grower extracting too hard than the harvest serving very thick skins. Summer 2020 can be considered solar, but the wines often don’t reflect that, with a notch of balance that will be apparent among the most charming. Degrees are a little lower than 2019, perhaps 0.5° here and there. In wines of insufficient natural depth, the alcohol can stand out, therefore.

2020 IN THE CONTEXT OF RECENT VINTAGES FROM 2016 ON. The best wines are charming, much more approachable than the powered and brooding 2019s, a vintage to drink ahead of 2019. At present, I am finding that the 2018s are opening up already, with some mineral notes, some cooler year signatures; it slots in as a useful all-rounder of a vintage, not too complicated, with a feel apart from the high heat years, a looser tone. The 2017s are starting to shift a little away from their rather dry initial tannic profile, but I would be in no hurry to tackle them just yet. 2016 remains very much a vintage to hold back on, given its great depth and length; with 2010, it is the top year of the century.” John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com

2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Plateau de Mont-Redon’ rouge - release date not confirmed (2026..?)
Made in small volumes only in the best years, this comes from plots chosen on the famed Le Plateau de Mont-Redon, the high plateau of galets roules, (large round stones) that makes this one of the most prized terroirs in the appellation. These large stones up to 2 metres deep combine with fine safre (sandy soil) over thin layers of clay which provide important water holding capacity providing an ideally moderate supply of water. The plateau sits high and is exposed to the sun and the Mistral wind giving an optimal ripeness and sanitary state for the vineyard.
‘This is still extremely young, but it is so enticing that it's hard to resist, even at this very early stage. Giant black fruit aromas (plums, wild blackberries, cherries) but not the slightest hint of overripeness. Lots of bitter chocolate, too. Enormously dense, but also wonderfully elegant thanks to the very fine tannins and vitality that effortlessly lifts the huge body. Drink from release.’ 98 points, James Suckling, April 2023.

2019 vintage

”This is a great, at times exceptional, vintage for the Southern Rhône that checks in just behind all-time greats such as 2016, 2010, 2007, 2001, and 1998, yet is unquestionably in the same league of 2017, 2009, 2006, 2005, and 2000. In my mind, 2019 is vastly superior to 2018 and a solid step up over 2020. Looking at the style of the wines, many estates compared their 2019s to their 2016s, but I find the 2019s to have more austerity and firmer tannins, as well as slightly more straight, focused profiles on the palate.” Jeb Dunnuck, November 2021

“Across the board, from appellation to appellation as a whole, 2019 is well superior to 2018 - there is much greater consistency of quality. A dry and very hot summer marked the wines, which are full of packed content, robust and firm in style, with extended length. The Grenache performed well, but the high sugar level led to high degrees, and careful blending with less "hot" varieties was required if that option were open to domaines. Likewise, it was essential to proceed with a light touch in the cellar - excess extraction was was a no-no, given generally thick skins and low juice levels inside the grapes.
2019 is excellent at GIGONDAS - fresher, later vineyards have done well. It is rightly hailed as a very good vintage, with good balance and bundles of freshness there, as it should be, therefore. There’s more freshness and riper body than 2018, I feel.” John Livingstone-Learmonth, drinkrhone.com

”2019 positions itself in the lineage of very great vintages; aging time only will tell if it joins 2017, 2016, 2010 in the pantheon of mythical years. 2019 possesses the perfect mix of concentration, complexity, depth and balance.” Pierre Fabre, winemaker-owner

2019 Reserve Mont-Redon Gigondas rouge
80 % Grenache, 20 % Syrah and Mourvèdre, from 70+ year-old vines in two lieu-dits in the north of the appellation, in roughly equal proportions. Notre-Dame-des-Pallières is a south facing site at about 200m, whilst Pallière et Pied-Gu is north-facing and at 300m. The fruit from Notre-Dame-des-Pallières is fully de-stemmed, that from Pallière et Pied-Gu fermented as whole bunches and each parcel is on skins for about 25 days. Malo is completed in tank and then 60% of each parcel is transferred to 228L barriques for 16 months, before blending and bottling.

This third vintage of Gigondas by Pierre Fabre and his team at Mont-Redon is a resounding success. Top notes of garrigue and spice overlay a deliciously voluminous palate of red forest berries. The tannins are deep and rich yet also remarkably fine and silky and the wine finishes long and clean with good acidity. Remarkably good now and will cellar for a decade or more.

‘Shimmering ruby red. Spice accented raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by musky garrigue and floral nuances. Sweet and seamless on the palate, offering juicy, well concentrated red berry, cherry cola and lavendar flavours and suggestions of allspice and licorice. Firms up steadily on the persistent, red fruit and floral driven finish, which is framed by slow building tannins. Made with 25% whole clusters.’ 92 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, January 2023.

2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Plateau de Mont-Redon’ rouge - release date not confirmed (2025..?)
Made in small volumes only in the best years, this comes from plots chosen on the famed Le Plateau de Mont-Redon, the high plateau of galets roules, (large round stones) that makes this one of the most prized terroirs in the appellation. These large stones up to 2 metres deep combine with fine safre (sandy soil) over thin layers of clay which provide important water holding capacity providing an ideally moderate supply of water. The plateau sits high and is exposed to the sun and the Mistral wind giving an optimal ripeness and sanitary state for the vineyard.

This could be the wine of the vintage in the Southern Rhone! Giant concentration and equally giant fine tannins fill out the widescreen palate in breathtaking detail. This extraordinary Chateauneuf beautifully expresses the special personality of the appellation. The blackest berries are married to a spectacularly wide spectrum of spice and dried herb aromas. The enormously structured and imposing finish doesn't want to stop. Decades of aging potential. Drink from release. 99 points, James Suckling, April 2023.

Deep ruby-hued, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Plateau offers up a powerful, concentrated, full-bodied style as well as a truly “wow” bouquet of blackcurrants, blackberries, truffle, Provençal garrigue, and graphite. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, this beauty hits the palate with a massive mouthfeel, ripe, building tannins, and an incredible finish. It's built for the long haul but is a legendary wine in the making that will probably evolve for 30-40 years. 98+ points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2023.

2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Plateau de Mont-Redon’ rouge - due 2025
Made in small volumes only in the best years, this comes from plots chosen on the famed Le Plateau de Mont-Redon, the high plateau of galets roules, (large round stones) that makes this one of the most prized terroirs in the appellation. These large stones up to 2 metres deep combine with fine safre (sandy soil) over thin layers of clay which provide important water holding capacity providing an ideally moderate supply of water. The plateau sits high and is exposed to the sun and the Mistral wind giving an optimal ripeness and sanitary state for the vineyard.
‘The nose of this extraordinary Chateauneuf is so enveloping. Incredibly deep aromas of Mediterranean herbs, savory and bitter chocolate. Enormous richness and tannin structure on the expansive yet compact palate, the interplay of these two elements creating an extraordinary textural complexity that runs through the super-long finish. Drink from release.’
97 points, James Suckling, April 2023.

2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Plateau de Mont-Redon’ rouge 750 ml & 1500 ml - available now
Made in small volumes only in the best years, this comes from plots chosen on the famed Le Plateau de Mont-Redon, the high plateau of galets roules, (large round stones) that makes this one of the most prized terroirs in the appellation. These large stones up to 2 metres deep combine with fine safre (sandy soil) over thin layers of clay which provide important water holding capacity providing an ideally moderate supply of water. The plateau sits high and is exposed to the sun and the Mistral wind giving an optimal ripeness and sanitary state for the vineyard.

Made from parcels of Grenache (63 % planted 1940s) and Syrah (31 % planted 1950s-1960s) and 6 % Mourvèdre. Hand harvested and 100% destemmed with 2-3 days of cold maceration and skin contact of 15-20 days during which extraction is performed mostly by punching down the cap of the ferments. Elevage of 40 % in stainless steel and 60 % in barrels (50 % new) for 18 months, the selected parcels are blended and aged on fine lees for a further 10 months in tank before bottling. Immense ageing capacity giving a wine which shows the quintessence of the older vines of Le Plateau de Mont-Redon.

’In the same ballpark, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Plateau comes only from the Mont Redon plateau and is a limited release based on 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah brought up in a mix of used and new barrels. Its saturated purple color is followed by a rocking bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, graphite, violets, and crushed rocks. With plenty of background oak, terrific depth of fruit, full body, and ripe, present tannins, it’s another balanced, age-worthy effort from this estate that should be snatched up by readers. Give bottles 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades.’ (93-95) points, Jebdunnuck.com, August 2019.

Marcs

Vieux Marc de Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Made from the skins of the red Chateauneuf du Pape grapes. Resulting from the distillation of the grape skins after vinification, this alcohol marc is very typical. Distillation is carried out in a still double wall where the solids are agitated in permanently to avoid caramelization. Furthermore, this distillation is done under partial vacuum in order to respect the fruity expression of aromas. Once distilled, this marc is aged in new Cognac barrels of 365 liters for 12 years years before being bottled at the estate.
Shows notable ageing and caramelisation from the new oak maturation. Serve fresh but not chilled (and never warmed) to enjoy the aromas of this magnificently complex and lively eaux de vie.

Marc Blanc de Chateauneuf-du-Pape
Made from the skins of the white Chateauneuf du Pape grapes. Resulting from the distillation of the grape skins after vinification, this alcohol marc is very typical. Distillation is carried out in an alambic still double wall where the solids are constantly agitated to to avoid caramelization. Furthermore, this distillation is done under vacuum partial in order to respect the fruity expression of the aromas. Once distilled, the brandy is kept for some time in stainless steel barrels to keep its transparent color, then cut with water distilled to adjust the degree to 42%. Bottling takes place during the year following distillation.
Wonderfully aromatic with fine delicate aromas which are highlighted best when served chilled. Keep it in the freezer for that perfect after dinner digestif.

We have been very fortunate to gain access to small quantities of excellent vintages of wines that have been aged in the cellars at Château Mont-Redon. We have tasted all these vintages and can vouch for the excellent quality and condition of all these wines.

Quantities are very limited and we have bought all available stock of some wines.

2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
60 % Grenache Noir, 30 % Syrah, 8% Mourvèdre & 2% Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin & Vaccarèse. Hand harvested and 100 % destemmed before fermentation over 15 to 20 days, with extraction via plunging the cap as required. Following the malolactic, a rigorous selection is performed and batches that do not meet the Estate’s quality criteria are sold in bulk. The selected batches are matured for 12 months in approximately 50 % barrels and 50 % stainless steel tanks. At this point another selection is made and any lesser batches are again sold in bulk. The final blend is then assembled in tank and matured for a further 6 months before bottling, then a further 4 to 6 months in bottle before it is available for shipping.
‘The deeply fragrant nose pulls you inexorably into this majestic Chateauneuf. So vibrant and refined for this amount of power and concentration. Breathtaking Mediterranean herbal freshness at the super-long finish.’ 96 points, James Suckling, April 2023.
‘The classic 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is straight-up terrific and excels in the vintage. It will be interesting to compare this to the Le Plateau over the coming 20 years or so. Giving up lots of red and blue fruits, violets, flowers, and hints of graphite, it’s medium to full-bodied, has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, beautifully integrated tannins, and remarkable purity as well as length. It’s a brilliant Châteauneuf du Pape from this talented team that readers will love to have in their cellars. Enjoy bottles any time over the coming 15-20 years.’ 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, November 2022.

2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
60 % Grenache Noir, 30 % Syrah, 8 % Mourvèdre & 2 % Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin & Vaccarèse. Hand harvested and 100 % destemmed before fermentation over 15 to 20 days, with extraction via plunging the cap as required. Following the malolactic, a rigorous selection is performed and batches that do not meet the Estate’s quality criteria are sold in bulk. The selected batches are matured for 12 months in approximately 50 % barrels and 50 % stainless steel tanks. At this point another selection is made and any lesser batches are again sold in bulk. The final blend is then assembled in tank and matured for a further 6 months before bottling, then a further 4 to 6 months in bottle before it is available for shipping.

‘Enchanting and complex nose of red fruit, tobacco leaf, licorice and delicate spices. Super-sensual palate that’s rich and refined, with so many nuances that you could spend hours studying it. Stunning interplay of ripe fruit with raw-meat and smoked-bacon character. Very long, silky finish that makes it hard not to take another gulp. Sustainable. Drink or hold.’ 95 points, James Suckling, February 2022.

’Moving to the 2019s from bottle, beautifully pure notes of cassis and black cherries as well as new leather, candied orange, and violets emerge from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, elegant 2019 that has perfectly ripe yet substantial tannins. Do your best to hide bottles for 4-5 years (or more), and it will evolve for two decades in cold cellars.’ 93 points, Jeb Dunnuck, March 2021.

2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
A vintage marked by remarkable freshness that was difficult during the growing season with mildew reducing the yields so drastically for many producers. Great success at Mont-Redon in this challenging vintage as all reviews clearly note. Finesse of tannins allied to perfect ripeness without excess and the freshness of the vintage. Superb wines for early enjoyment.
’A great Chateauneuf from a vintage that was overshadowed by 2019 and 2020, but deserves to be taken seriously. Just beginning to pick up complex bottle maturation character this still has great damson plum fruit. Then comes the most beautiful thing about this wine, the amazing texture on the expansive palate, making it so rich and sensual. Very graceful at the long and delicately dry finish. Drink or hold.’ 95 points, James Suckling, April 2023.

2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
Quantity is down nearly half in 2017 due to bad weather at flowering drastically reducing the yield of Grenache meaning higher percentages than usual for other varieties resulting in darker more intense wines. Also selection of the juices is more rigorous than ever at Mont-Redon in recent vintages taking the quality higher each vintage.
’Dense savory nose with notes of bitter chocolate and a slew of spices. Very rich and concentrated, but the wine's savory personality and stony minerality prevents even the slightest hint of sweetness developing. In fact the long spicy finish is wonderfully dry, pulling you back for more of this Chateauneuf masterpiece. Less grenache in the blend than usual. Drink or hold.’
95 points, James Suckling, April 2023.

”I loved the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape from barrel last year, and it didn’t disappoint from bottle. Revealing a deeper ruby/purple color as well as a killer bouquet of crème de cassis, ground pepper, candied violets, garrigue, and a touch of graphite, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a rich, concentrated, structured mouthfeel, and a great finish. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will evolve nicely for 15-20 years or more.” 94 points, Jeb Dunnuck, October 2020

2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
An outstanding vintage for both Mont-Redon and Chateauneuf du Pape in this remarkable vintage.
’A really great example of this beautiful vintage! This reminds me very much of the great Chateauneuf wines of the 1960s, but this is more youthful, still packed with forest berry fruit. Astonishing complexity of Mediterranean herbs and spices on the nose. Great balance of generous fine tannins and ripeness on the palate, everything sitting exactly where it should through the very long, quite cool finish. Drink or hold.’ 97 points, James Suckling, April 2023.

2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape ‘Le Plateau de Mont-Redon’ rouge
Made in small volumes only in the best years, this comes from plots chosen on the famed Le Plateau de Mont-Redon, the high plateau of galets roules, (large round stones) that makes this one of the most prized terroirs in the appellation. These large stones up to 2 metres deep combine with fine safre (sandy soil) over thin layers of clay which provide important water holding capacity providing an ideally moderate supply of water. The plateau sits high and is exposed to the sun and the Mistral wind giving an optimal ripeness and sanitary state for the vineyard.

Made from parcels of Grenache (60 % planted 1940s) and Syrah (40 % planted 1950s-1960s). Hand harvested and 100 % destemmed with 2-3 days of cold maceration and skin contact of 15-20 days during which extraction is performed mostly by punching down the cap of the ferments. Elevage of 40 % in stainless steel and 60 % in barrels (50 % new) for 18 months, the selected parcels are blended and aged on fine lees for a further 10 months in tank before bottling. Immense ageing capacity giving a wine which shows the quintessence of the older vines of Le Plateau de Mont-Redon.

’Starting with the 2016 vintage, there is a special cuvée called le Plateau (de Mont Redon), which comes exclusively from the galets. It sees more oak and a higher proportion of new oak, but because of the concentration in the 2016 and 2017 vintages, it's not especially noticeable. The wine is a step above the large-production cuvée tradition in quality, but it's yet to be released. It's in keeping with the wine-making philosophy espoused by Pierre Fabre, who told me, "Color for me isn't quality-linked, it's style-linked. Most important is complexity and length." These aren't big, extracted wines but wines that feel comfortable and balanced.’ Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, August 2019.

‘This is a very deep and charming wine with an entire microcosm of spice on the powerful yet refined palate. Staggering concentration without being in the least domineering. Very long, polished finish with so many subtle meaty and savory nuances. Drink or hold.’ 97 points, James Suckling, February 2022.

‘Deep garnet. Highly perfumed aromas of raspberry and cherry preserves, candied flowers, mocha and incense are enlivened by a smoky mineral flourish. Alluringly sweet and incisive, offering vibrant, densely packed red fruit preserve, cherry cola, candied lavender and spicecake flavors that deepen steadily with aeration. Shows superb detail and minerally thrust on a strikingly long, seamless finish that features polished tannins and lingering five-spice powder and floral notes. This is the first vintage for this bottling – there's not much of it – and the fruit was drawn from the estate's oldest vines, which were planted in 1923.’ 97 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, October 2021.

‘Even better, the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Plateau is a blockbuster in the making and is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah sourced all from the upper Mont Redon plateau. Awesome notes of crème de cassis, graphite, toasted bread, garrigue, and beautiful minerality give way to a concentrated, full-bodied Châteauneuf Du Pape that shines on all accounts. It’s concentrated and backward, so give bottles 4-6 years. It’s going to have 20-30 years of overall longevity.’ 95+ points, Jeb Dunnuck, August 2019.

2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'Bright ruby. Mineral-accented raspberry, cherry and floral pastille aromas are complicated by subtle garrigue and spice qualities. Seamless, focused and sweet on the palate, offering potent red berry preserve and floral pastille flavors sharpened and lifted by juicy acidity. Finishes impressively long and precise, featuring slow-building tannins and resonating floral and spice notes.' 92 points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous, April 2016.

The following reviews (except 1970) are all by John Gilman, viewfromthecellar.com #32 March-April 2011.

2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'The 2007 Mont-Redon Châteauneuf du Pape weighs in at a very civilized 14.3 percent alcohol, which in this region is tantamount to water! This is going to be a legendary vintage for the Mont-Redon rouge, but it is going to need all of a decade in the cellar to start to blossom. The bouquet is deep, complex and very pure, as it offers up a powerful mélange of black cherries, raspberries, lavender, pepper, stony soil tones, sandalwood, a gentle touch of meatiness and a spicy top-note. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with lovely purity and focus, fine, ripe tannins and superb length and grip on the well-balanced and still very primary finish. Mont-Redon is sometimes criticized for a lack of true Châteauneuf power in comparison to its neighbors, but not even the staunchest proponent of “Monster Châteauneufs” should have an issue with the depth and intensity on display in the 2007 Mont-Redon. The Abeilles are very enthusiastic for the potential of the 2007, and it is very easy to appreciate why this is the case. A dynamite wine in the making. 2020-2050+.' 94+ points.

2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'I really love the style of the 2006 Mont-Redon, which strikes me as much more classically cut from the mold of this fine estate and I fully expect that this will age into one of the “Burgundian-styled” vintages from this estate. The wine is just a tad lower in alcohol than the more powerful 2007, but at 14.2 percent, it is no weak-kneed wine. The superb bouquet offers up a beautiful mélange of raspberries, red currants, hickory smoke, meaty tones, garrigue, a lovely base of complex soil tones and a nice touch of spice in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and strikingly transparent for a young Châteauneuf du Pape, with lovely mid-palate depth, velvety tannins and outstanding length and grip on the nascently complex finish. This is not the blockbuster of the 2007, but it will reach its ultimate apogee sooner and is already a pretty fine drink. I would try to give it a few more years in the cellar to let the tannins more completely fall away, and then drink it over the ensuing two o r three decades. Classy juice. 2014-2035+.' 92+ points.

2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'The 2005 Mont-Redon is another fairly powerful vintage for this estate, with its style seemingly a synthesis of the broad-shouldered 2007 and the more restrained 2006. The nose is fairly deep-pitched for a young Mont-Redon, with notes of red and black raspberries, olives, spice tones, orange zest, a great expression of stony minerality and a smoky top-note. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and rock solid at the core, with fine focus, ripe, chewy tannins and very good length and grip on the nascently complex finish. This will need some time in the cellar to really start to blossom, but it should prove to be a very strong and quite classic vintage of Mont-Redon in the fullness of time. 2017-2040.' 93 points.

2001 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'The 2001 Mont-Redon is a superb bottle really shows off the inherent elegance of this estate’s wines, and at age nine it is really starting to drink very well indeed. I am a big fan of this vintage in Châteauneuf, which in general I feel has produced more elegant and complete wines than in 2000. The 2001 Mont-Redon possesses a really lovely bouquet that is beginning its transition from red fruit to black fruit, as it offers up scents of black cherries, tobacco, a touch of garrigue, espresso, cigar smoke, complex soil tones and a nice touch of fresh herbs in the upper register. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and very pure, with fine mid-palate depth, superb complexity, well-measured tannins and very fine length and grip on the suave and impressively refined finish. This is on its way to being one of the classics, and is impressively cool in the mouth for its 14.5 percent alcohol. A lovely wine. 2009-2025.' 93 points.

2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'The 2000 Mont-Redon is a full half point lower in alcohol than the superb 2001 rendition, but oddly, it seems to show a bit riper profile on both the nose and palate. The bouquet is deep and very impressive (albeit still a bit primary), as it offers up scents of black cherries, grilled meats, co ffee, tobacco, stony soil tones, a touch of olive, allspice and a nice, almost leafy overtone in the upper register. On the palate this is a full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a fine core of fruit, still plenty of ripe tannins to resolve, fine focus, impeccable balance and a very long, chewy and complex finish. Whereas the 2001 Mont-Redon is already starting to show signs of approaching maturity, the 2000 is still in need of several years to start to blossom and is currently still a bit bound up in its structure. A very fine example of this vintage, the 2000 Mont-Redon should prove to be quite long-lived and eventually will offer up outstanding drinking, but a bit more patience is required. 2015-2040.' 93 points.

1998 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'The 1998 Mont-Redon is still a fairly young wine, but it is starting to come around a bit and is really showing its budding secondary layers of complexity on both the nose and palate. The superb and still fairly youthful nose offers up a fine mélange of black cherries, dark berries, coffee, spice box, a touch of fruitcake, smoke and a lovely base of stony soil tones. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and possesses an excellent core of sweet fruit. The finish is very long, ripely tannic and still a tad adolescent, with a few more years of cellaring guaranteed to be rewarded handsomely. The 1998 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is hardly one of my favorites, as most examples I have tried are egregiously overripe, but the 1998 Mont-Redon is quite classic and will be a superb wine in the fullness of time. 2014-2040.' 94 points.

1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'The 1995 Mont-Redon has begun to move into its plateau of maturity, as the fruit has transitioned from the more red fruity, grenache character that the wine shows early on into a more black fruity and complex potpourri that is so typical of this great wine at its apogee. This is a fabulous example of the vintage, as it soars from the glass in a blaze of dark berries, black raspberries, bacon fat, bonfires, fresh herbs, a hint of black truffle, dark chocolate, sous bois, and black olive. On the pa late the wine is full-bodied, deep and light on its feet, with great focus and grip, melting tannins, bright acids and simply great length and delineation on the complex and seamless finish. Great, great juice. 2008-2040.' 94 points.

1990 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'The 1990 vintage at Mont-Redon is remarkable for its freshness and purity in what was a very hot and roasted year in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The bouquet is deep, complex and tertiary, as it wafts from the glass in a complex blend of Cuban tobacco, dark berries, espresso, spit-roasted venison, sous bois, a touch of truffle and an earthy base of soil tones. On the palate the wine is full-bodied, focused and fully mature, with a very suave attack, a fine core of fruit, melting tannins and a very long, refined and focused finish. Just a lovely bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that transcends the general parameters of the vintage with its refined and elegant style. 2010-2030.' 94 points.

1989 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'The 1989 Mont-Redon is a stunning example of this outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape vintage. The brilliant nose soars from the glass in a complex and classic blend of red and black raspberries, black cherries, a touch of menthol, game, cigar box, lovely spice tones, incipient autumnal tones and a superb base of soil. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied and moderately tannic, with a great core of pure fruit, superb soil inflection, lovely focus and excellent length and grip on the classy finish. Just a lovely bottle of Châteauneuf and one of my favorites in the last couple of decades at Mont-Redon. 2009-2035+.' 94+ points.

1978 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
'I have had the good fortune to drink the beautiful 1978 Mont-Redon on four occasions in the last few years and each time I am completely smitten with the style of this superb wine. At age thirty-two the wine is at its absolute summit of peak drinkability, as it soars from the glass in a deep and complex mélange of dark berries, coffee bean, singed heather, game-birds, lavender, smoke and cigar ash. On the palate the wine is deep, full-bodied, pure and absolutely à point, with great complexity, melting tannins and simply stunning length and grip. This is a classically black fruity, mature vintage of Mont-Redon that will have no difficulties continuing to cruise along at its peak for at least another decade or two and is clearly one of the top 1978 Châteauneufs. A great and utterly classic vintage of Mont-Redon. 2010-2030+.' 95 points.

1971 Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge - SOLD OUT
(served from magnum) 'Monsieur Abeille observed when we tasted this magnum, that there was a higher percentage of Grenache used in the final blend in 1971 than is customary at Mont-Redon these days, and as a result the wine has retained a more red fruity personality at maturity. The bouquet is deep, pure and beautiful, as it offers up a mature mélange of dried raspberries, orange zest, pepper, a touch of bonfire, venison, coffee and fresh herbs. On the palate the wine is deep, fullish and very suave, with a good core of fruit, very little remaining tannin, fairly low acids and lovely length and grip on the spicy and elegant finish. A lovely old bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape with still plenty of life in it. 2009-2025.' 90 points.