Le Clos du Caillou - Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Réserve 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Sylvie Vacheron, recently joined by her daughter Marilou, draws on a vineyard located in the northeast of the appellation, part of which produces excellent Côtes-du-Rhône wines, very close to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape terroirs. These wines achieve a very high level of expression, with skillfully aged and long-lasting flavors. The Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines have joined the very select circle of the appellation's finest wines and are produced according to the nature of their terroir.

Decanter

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

Run by Sylvie Vacheron for over 20 years, alongside oenologist Bruno Gaspard, this organic estate has 54 hectares of vineyards, including 9 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 44 hectares in Côtes-du-Rhône (part of which, Le Clos, is enclosed within the Châteauneuf appellation area). The 2020 acquisition of Dom. de Panisse, with 6.5 hectares in Châteauneuf and 5 hectares in Côtes-du-Rhône, aims to establish the new generation: Axel and Marilou, Sylvie's children.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the estate:

Always one of my most eagerly anticipated visits, Le Clos du Caillou continues to produce some of the finest, most consistent Châteauneuf wines, year after year. Marilou Vacheron and Bruno Gaspard are generally frank in their assessments of the vintages.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Clos du Caillou, a 53-hectare estate located in the commune of Courthézon, has been certified organic since 2010. Sylvie Vacheron and her children, Marilou and Axel, who recently returned to the property, have developed wines with greater finesse and depth. With the acquisition of Château de Panisse in 2020, Clos du Caillou gained an additional 6.5 hectares in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 7.5 hectares in Côtes du Rhône. Old Cinsault vines planted in the 1950s and Grenache vines from the 1920s are also part of the lot.

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

Seductive nose, bursting with fruit, crushed raspberry, fig, and plum. The palate is lively and vibrant, with finely tuned tannins and an earthy note beneath the pure red fruit. The palate is round and complete with a rich and flavorful finish.

Vinous

About wine:

Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Réserve 2023 [...] comes alive on the palate, with a rich body, velvety tannins, and impressive energy and intensity. The lively acidity brings a touch of freshness that lingers through to the elegant finish. The 2023 says, "Look at me."

James Suckling

About wine:

A refined, balanced, and appealing red with aromas of sweet cherries, strawberries, roasted meat, dried thyme, and a few dried flowers. It is medium-bodied to full-bodied with finely grained tannins. A juicy and charming texture on the palate, with a delicious character bringing notes of pulpy fruit and orange. Brilliant finish. Enjoy now or keep.

Jeb Dunnuck

About wine:

Châteauneuf Du Pape La Réserve 2023 is a standard blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre (60/40) that has been aged in demi-muids and barrels, with very little new wood. Its aromas are characterized by superb notes of black raspberry, spring flowers, baking spices, and graphite. This medium-bodied to full-bodied wine is remarkably pure, elegant, and consistent.

About the estate:

The Vacheron family, Bruno Gaspard, and consultant Philippe Cambie continue to work their magic in this modestly sized estate located on the eastern edge of Châteauneuf du Pape. They produce a host of remarkable wines, with their two flagship Châteauneuf du Pape wines, Le Quartz and La Réserve, flirting with perfection in almost every vintage.