Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance 2019
(Southern Rhone, France) - [WS 95] [JD 95]

About the Winemaker:

Created by Etienne Grangeon in the 1950s, the property originally spread over 2 hectares of Grenache grew under the leadership of Alain, his son, who joined the estate in 1963. Passionate about viticulture, he notably contributed to the expansion of the estate by planting improving grape varieties such as Syrah and Mourvèdre and thus creating the Cristia identity, based on knowledge and respect for its predominantly sandy soils.

Today the Grangeon family owns just over 30 acres, spread across four different parcels: Le Cristia (which is broken into two parts, an upper and lower), Saint Georges and La Roquete. They have a number of old vines, and in a normal year they produce four Chateauneufs, a traditional red and white, and two special cuvées. Their Cuvée Renaissance comes from a blend of 60%, 100 year old vine Grenache and 40% Mourvedre, although in some vintages, a smidge of Syrah is often added to the blend. 

95 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Dark and winey, with delicious waves of cassis, raspberry paste and plum puree coursing through, laced with licorice and tar notes that help extend the finish. Late flashes of singed anise, bitters and wood spice add an alluring echo. Best from 2023 through 2038. 300 cases made, 50 cases imported." - JM (Feb 2022)

95 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Renaissance is a bigger, richer wine based off 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre. Deep ruby/purple-hued, it has rock star purity in its cassis and ripe blackberry fruits as well as spicy oak, roasted meats, toasted spice, and chocolate aromas and flavors. A more elegant, polished wine than usual, it already has some up-front appeal. It's going to integrate its oak élevage with 2-4 years of bottle age and should have 10-15 years of prime drinking thereafter. The purity and texture here are spot on. - (Nov 2021)

16.5+ / 20 Points - Jancis Robinson:
"60% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre. Certified organic. Aged for 18 months in demi-muid (67%) and new barriques (33%). Cask sample. Tasted blind. Some smoked bacon and reductive notes with a dense fruit core. The oak is full throttle and weighty in style, but I like the fruit clarity behind it. Well managed and while a big bruising style it shows just enough freshness. 2024" - AC (6/10/20)

90 Points - Wine Advocate: 
"A 60-40 blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre aged in a combination of demi-muids and new barriques, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Renaissance shows plenty of smoky, toasty nuances laid over the top of roasted cherries. Full-bodied, rich and velvety in texture, it finishes long, with overtones of mocha lingering on the finish. It's oaky now, but it should improve with short-term cellaring. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes." - Joe Czerwinski (May 2022)