Please join Peter Weygandt and the staff of Weygandt Wines this Saturday, December 4th, from 12PM until 4PM for a tasting of one of the Rhône Valley’s all time great producers, Domaine Charvin.
Gerard Charvin and his son, Laurent, represent the quintessence of the small domaine/father and son team. They have only 8 ha. of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and half of that they sell off to negociants, keeping only the best lots for the Châteauneuf of Domaine Charvin. What goes into their Châteauneuf is about 82% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre, Syrah, and Vaccarèse from their vines averaging about 50 years of age (the oldest being 70 years). Together they combine the experience and patience of Gerard with the wine making brilliance of Laurent, now regarded as one of the top wine-makers in the appellation by Guy Julien, famous owner of the restaurant Beaugraviere in Mondragon and assembler of its unequalled Rhône list.
Words that come to mind in describing the style of Charvin’s wine would include at the top, silky, velvety, and smooth. There are no harsh or dry tannins and they are always impeccably balanced. Descriptors that Robert Parker uses also include seductive, sexy, smoky, blackberry, cherry, hedonistic, flamboyant and blockbuster. These are indeed some of the best examples of the appellation and represent a very unique and extraordinary style that is immediately recognizable, and thus literally an artistic expression.
One of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s young turks is Laurent Charvin, who represents the sixth generation of the family to run this estate (which was founded in 1851). Prior to 1990, the entire production was sold to negociants, but the estate-bottled production has gradually risen as consumers have recognized the quality in the bottle (which to me has always come close to what was produced at Chateau Rayas under the late Jacques Reynaud). It is a small estate, with a production of approximately 2,500 cases from their 20 acres of vines, all located in the northern tier of the appellation, next to the grand estate of Maucoil. – The Wine Advocate #185, Oct. 2009
The Lineup:
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2001, List Price $110.99, Tasting Price $74.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Dark and dense, this very powerful Chateauneuf oozes dark chocolate, black currant, tar, mineral, grilled beef and roasted chestnut flavors that just won’t quit. Yet despite its exotic range of flavors, it has a pure, silky core of fruit that remains steadfast through the extremely long finish. An awesome young wine. Best from 2006 through 2024. 2,350 cases made. – Rated 96 points, Wine Spectator; 95 points, The Wine Advocate; 94 points, International Wine Cellar
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2003, List Price $103.99, Tasting Price $69.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Terrific example of the vintage – this is loaded with the pepper, garrigue, grilled herb and briary tannins, all backed by powerful layers of dark currant, plum and blackberry fruit. Lingering hint of dried orange peel adds further dimension. Best from 2007 through 2030. 2,730 cases made. – Wine Spectator 96 Points, 94 points, International Wine Cellar; 93 points, The Wine Advocate
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2004, List Price $65.99, Tasting Price $48.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Bright red. Complex nose displays ripe red berries, cherry skin, tobacco, potpourri and smoky minerals. Fleshy but focused, with pure, juicy red berry and cherry preserve flavors, supple texture and completely hidden tannins. Sweet and silky enough to drink now, but this wine’s balance and freshness will allow for a slow and positive development. I scored this at 94 points on release and will stick with that. – Rated 93 Points, International Wine Cellar; 92 points, Wine Spectator; 90 points, The Wine Advocate
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2005, List Price $85.99, Tasting Price $46.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 82% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - Forward and lush for the vintage, with dark currant and fig paste flavors backed by licorice, coffee, garrigue and braised beef notes. The long, smoky finish has a lingering touch of mesquite. The profile is black fruit, but the structure is remarkably elegant for the vintage, with lovely poise. Drink now through 2023. – Rated 94 points, Wine Spectator; 94 points, International Wine Cellar; 93 points, The Wine Advocate
Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2008, List Price $42.99, Tasting Price $35.99 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France – 85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Vaccarèse – 14.5% abv – Sustainable - The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape is a sexy, medium to full-bodied effort with far more depth, richness and seductive powers than most Chateauneuf du Papes in this vintage. A classic blend of 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Mourvedre, Syrah and Vaccarese has resulted in a deep plum/ruby-hued 2008 displaying loads of kirsch, pepper and licorice notes. The fruit is sweet, the tannins silky and the wine very seductive and evolved. Drink it over the next 7-8 years. – Rated 90 points, The Wine Advocate; 90 points, International Wine Cellar
