2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Domaine de Marcoux, Rhône

80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 7% Syrah, 3% Cinsault. Aged for 18 months in concrete tank 75%), tronconic tank 20%) and old barriques 5%). Certified organic. Cask/tank sample.

Tasted blind. Bright attractive red fruits on the nose. The palate is rich with a core of forest fruits, pencil lead and an earthy note throughout. Attractive and has an appealing saline note on the finish. Red cherry and rose hip on the broad finish.

Drink 2027 - 2038

The classic 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape from this terrific estate is based on 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 7% Syrah, and 3% Cinsault that's brought up in a mix of foudre, concrete tanks, and a splash in amphora. Exhibiting a deeper ruby hue as well as textbook notes of black cherries, Provençal garrigue, sweet flowers, and orange blossom, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, building, firm tannins, and a great finish. It's going to need a year or three of bottle age, but it's a beautiful classic cuvée in the making.

Zesty blood orange, ripe strawberry, dried herbs, raspberry and a splash of rosewater launch the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a medium- to full-bodied, distinctively elegant Marcoux. Round and refreshing, the 2023 is neatly balanced by bright acidity and concludes with energy on the long and juicy finish.

Drink 2026 - 2036

An enjoyably crisp and upright wine, with marked acidity and bright, precise, pretty fruit. The tannins are quite upright and tense too; overall this feels like it has a little more energy and vivacity than some other 2023 Châteauneufs. No great concentration, but it’s not overripe either, so a fine balance. Mostly grown on galets roulés.

Drink 2025 - 2032