Chante Cigale Chateauneuf du Pape La Serine rouge 2023

- 97 Punkte JEB DUNNUCK (11/2025): „All Syrah from the older Northern Rhône Serine clone and roughly 45 cases produced, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Serine is deep purple-hued, with sensational aromatics of peppery black and blue fruits, spring flowers, violets, and bouquet garni. Completely destemmed and aged 18 months primarily in concrete eggs with small portions in old barrels and amphora, it's pure, focused, medium to full-bodied, has ultra-fine tannins, and a sensational finish. It reminds me of some of the brilliant Syrahs from Bien Nacido in California and will evolve for 20 years if well stored. Drink 2026-2043.“

Run by Alexandre Favier, who took over winemaking in 2002, this estate farms 40 hectares across 45 parcels throughout the appellation. I wrote in 2019 that this estate was working their way up the hierarchy, and I think it's safe to say with the 2023s that they're unquestionably producing brilliant wines that can stand up to anything in the vintage. The range includes the classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape (65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault aged mostly in concrete), Pi (100% Grenache from sandy soils in the Pignan lieu-dit), and La Serine (100% Syrah from the old Northern Rhône Serine clone). They also make two whites - their classic cuvée, based on a broad mix of varieties, and an Extrait Blanc based on equal parts Grenache Blanc and Roussanne.

- 92 Punkte VINOUS, Nicolas Greinacher: „Ripe blackberry, licorice, black cherry and fleshy tones introduce the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Serine, a single-variety Syrah that’s grown on a mixture of round pebble (50%) and sandy (50%) soils. Medium- to full-bodied, concentrated and refined, this is such a lovely Southern Rhône Syrah packing remarkable finesse and freshness. The 2023 checks out with persistence on the nuanced finish. 2027-2040.“