Chateau Cristia 2023 Chateauneuf Du Pape

Tasting Notes

The Domaine de Cristia 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a refined, organic red wine masterfully composed of 85% Grenache Noir and 15% Syrah. Sourced from 50-year-old vines grown in unique sandy loam soils, it was aged for 18 months in a combination of concrete vats and large oak foudres to preserve its pure fruit expression. On the nose, this vintage wafts with fragrant aromas of rose petals, dark cherries, raspberries, and subtle smoke, layered with dashes of cocoa, pepper, and Provençal garrigue. The medium-to-full-bodied palate is plush, sappy, and beautifully balanced, offering a mouth-filling texture of black raspberries, ripe plums, and licorice framed by velvety tannins. It concludes with an elegant, lingering, and floral-inflected finish. This highly expressive, juicy red seamlessly pairs with hearty culinary dishes. It is exceptional alongside grilled meats like a rack of lamb, beef, or duck, as well as rich game, sausage, barbecue, and traditional Provençal daube or cassoulet. It also complements savory mushroom pasta, roasted eggplant, and aged hard cheeses such as Comté. For an optimal experience, it is best served at a slightly cool cellar temperature of 60°F (15.5°C).

Critical Acclaim

92+ from Wine Advocate

91 from Jeb Dunnuck

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate awarded the vintage a strong 92+ rating, noting that it is more vibrant and perfumed than the 2022 release, commending its elegantly layered, sappy palate and long, ethereal finish. Additionally, critic Jeb Dunnuck scored the vintage a 91, celebrating it as a pure, balanced "pleasure bomb" overflowing with upfront sweet berry fruits and Provençal herbs that is ideal for enjoying over the next 7 to 8 years.