Bosquet des Papes Chateauneuf du Pape "Cuvee Chante le Merle" Vieilles Vignes 2022
(Southern Rhone, France) - [WS 95] [WA 94] [JD 94] [VM 94] [JS 94]

Notes from the Winemaker:

Since 1860 the Boiron family has made wine at the property. Through 5 generations the domain has been handed over from father to son.

2nd generation Joseph-Victor Boiron (1875-1949) took over in 1890. from 1936 he called his domain "Clos Chantemerle". Since 1966 the name has been "Bosquet des Papes". This name was chosen by Maurice Boiron, who now (2008) is going in retirement and today Nicolas Boiron and his wife Jeanne-Claire carry on the family traditions.

The cellars were built in three steps in 1978, 1983 and 1994-95.
Nicolas Boiron wants to produce a traditional Chateauneuf du Pape.
"The philosophy of "Bosquet des Papes" estate is to produce laying down wines, meaning that they can be kept for many years, thereby respecting the traditions of Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines... They will reach their peak after 6 or 7 years."
Most of the wooden vessels in the cellar are foudres but they are using more and more demi-muids.

To the property belongs about 40 different parcels in the appellation - a total of 27 ha. The average age of the vines is about 50 years. 3.5 ha. - 100 years old - are used for Cuvee Chante le Merle.

80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre.
Aged for 18-20 months in wood. 10-15% in new demi-muids.

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"A seductive, smoky red, with real depth to its savory character. The dried strawberry leather and crunchy cherry fruit profile remains fresh and vibrant, studded with sanguine notes of smoked meat and dusty earth layered atop smoldering iron. The tannins are sculpted to a fine grain, bringing elegance to the texture. Delicious now, this has years ahead for those with the patience to cellar. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2026 through 2040. 2,000 cases made, 350 cases imported." - Kristen Bieler (Mar 2025)

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate:
"Crafted from old vines planted on several terroirs, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes reveals an elegant, deep bouquet of dark wild berries, licorice, violets, wild strawberries and flowers. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and textured, it's polished and enrobing with a delicate tannic frame, concluding with a long, ethereal finish inflected with dark berries. Matured for 15 months in foudres (60%), large barrels (30%) and concrete tanks for the rest, it was vinified without any destemming. 2030-2044."

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is another brilliant wine from this estate. Classic Provençal garrigue, pepper, leather, and assorted darker cherry and blackberry fruit all define the aromatics, and it's medium-bodied, with a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. It certainly offers pleasure today, but it’s going to evolve gracefully over the coming 10-15 years. This old-vine cuvée is 86% Grenache and 7% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre coming from the Barbe d'Asne, Les Brusquières, Mont-Redon, and Pignan (nord) lieux-dits. It was not destemmed and was brought up in a mix of foudre, demi-muids, and concrete tanks. (Drink between 2024-2039)." (Oct 2024)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
"The delicious 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 86% old-vine Grenache, 7% Syrah and 7% Mourvèdre. It enters the stage with prominent crushed violets, strawberry compote, licorice and black cherry. Meaty components add more nuance. Full-bodied and flamboyant, the 2022 comes across as modern and polished. Enveloped in ripe tannins, it culminates in a bold finale. (Drink between 2027-2042)." - Nocholas Greinacher (Jun 2024)

94 Points - James Suckling:
"A textural, velvety and vibrant red made of 80% grenache, 10% syrah and 10% mourvedre. Aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, dried thyme, smoke and a touch of licorice. Full-bodied with plush tannins. Dense with a bright core of fruit and a kick of spices. Vivid and energetic with a long finish. Try after 2026." (Apr 2024)