Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2022
(Southern Rhone, France) - [JD 97-99] [VM 94] [WA 93+] [JS 93]

About the Winemaker:

Created by Etienne Grangeon in the 1950s, the property originally spread over a mere 2 hectares of Grenache grown 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 improved 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. 

97-99 Points - Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes comes from the oldest Grenache vines of the estate and was raised in demi-muids and new and used barrels. Flat-out awesome notes of blackberries, mulled cherries, roasted herbs, and Provencal spices, as well as some meaty nuances, define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied, has a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, fine tannins, and sensational length on the finish. This Grenache lover’s dream of a wine will evolve for 15-20 years." (Oct 2023)

94 Points - Vinous Media:
“Coming in at eye level with the Renaissance from the same vintage, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is gorgeous. White pepper, strawberry jam, cedar, licorice, crushed violets and menthol are all front and center. Framed by ripe and seamlessly sculpted tannins as well as bright acidity, the ambitious 2022 impresses with great persistence on the complex finish. It spent 18 months in equal proportions of demi-muids and both old and new oak barriques.” – Nicolas Greinacher (Jun 2024)

93+ Points - Wine Advocate:
"Crafted from old vines of Grenache Noir planted on sandy soils (Cristia's south and north lieux-dits), the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes from Domaine de Cristia exhales a more solar bouquet in comparison with the other cuvées, opening in the glass with notes of dark olive, tapenade, dry thyme, chocolate and baked dark berries. Sweet and medium to full-bodied with a broad attack, it's layered and textured with an enrobing structure and polished tannins. The sweetest of the lineup, it finishes long and perfumed with delicate notes of lavender and licorice. Matured for 18 months in large barrels (33%), new barrels (34%) and the rest in used barrels, this is a great success at this address." - Yohan Castaing (Sep 2024)

93 Points - James Suckling:
"A dense, generous and fruity red from old vines. It shows notes of dark cherries, baked plums, sweet spices and some grilled meat. It’s full-bodied with fine, firm tannins. Structured yet elegant, with a delicious and succulent core of cherries and blood oranges on the palate. Lively and concise, with a focused and flavorful finish. From organically grown grapes. Try after 2025." (Apr 2024)