Le Clos du Caillou - Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Réserve 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the domain :

Sylvie Vacheron, recently joined by her daughter Marilou, relies on a vineyard in the northeast of the appellation, part of which produces excellent Côtes-du-Rhône, very close to Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These reach a very high level of expression, with skilfully elevated, long finish. Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines have joined the very select circle of the appellation's finest wines, and are declined according to the nature of their terroir.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the domain :

Managed by Sylvie Vacheron for over 20 years, in duo with oenologist Bruno Gaspard, this organic estate boasts 54 ha of vineyards, including 9 ha in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 44 ha in Côtes-du-Rhône (part of which, Le Clos, is enclosed within the Châteauneuf appellation area). The acquisition in 2020 of Dom. de Panisse, 6.5 ha in Châteauneuf and 5 ha in Côtes-du-Rhône, aims to install the new generation: Axel and Marilou, Sylvie's children.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the domain :

Always one of my most eagerly awaited visits, Le Clos du Caillou continues to produce produce some of the finest, most consistent Châteauneuf, year after year. Marilou Vacheron and Bruno Gaspard are generally frank in their assessments of the vintages.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the domain :

Clos du Caillou, a 53-hectare estate in the commune of Courthézon, has been certified organic since 2010. Sylvie Vacheron and her children, Marilou and Axel, who recently returned to the property, have developed the wines towards greater finesse and depth. With the addition of Château de Panisse in 2020, Clos du Caillou has acquired a further 6.5 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 7.5 in Côtes du Rhône. Old Cinsault vines planted in the 1950s and Grenache vines from the 1920s are also included.

Jancis Robinson

About the wine:

Seductive nose, bursting with fruit, crushed raspberry, fig and plum. The palate is lively and vibrant, with finely tuned tannins and an earthy note beneath the pure red fruit. The palate is round and complete, with a rich, savory finish.

Vinous

About the wine:

Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Réserve 2023 [...] comes alive on the palate, with full-bodied richness, velvety tannins and impressive energy and intensity. Lively acidity adds a touch of freshness that carries through to the elegant finish. 2023 says: "Look at me".

James Suckling

About the wine:

A refined, balanced and attractive red with aromas of sweet cherries, strawberries, roasted meat, dried thyme and some dried flowers. Medium- to full-bodied, with finely grained tannins. Juicy, charming texture on the palate, with delicious character bringing notes of pulpy fruit and orange. Brilliant finish. Enjoy or keep.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Châteauneuf Du Pape La Réserve 2023 is a normal blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre (60/40) that has been aged in demi-muids and barrels, with very little new wood. Its aromas are characterized by superb notes of black raspberry, spring flowers, baking spices and graphite. This medium- to full-bodied wine is remarkably pure, elegant and homogeneous.

About the domain :

The Vacheron family, Bruno Gaspard, and consultant Philippe Cambie continue to work their magic at this modest estate on the eastern edge of Châteauneuf du Pape. They produce a host of cuvées, all of them remarkable, with their two Châteauneuf du Pape flagships, Quartz and La Réserve, flirting with perfection in just about every vintage.