"The wines from Bosquet des Papes span the full spectrum ... Regardless of the style, the quality is brilliant, and these are beautiful wines." - Jeb Dunnuck
Bosquet des Papes' stellar 2022s prove once again that this rising-star estate is a favorite among Châteauneuf insiders and aficionados. The Chante le Merle is made in the staunchly traditional method, resulting in "another brilliant wine from this estate ... age-worthy, classic, incredibly satisfying Châteauneuf-du-Pape" per Jeb Dunnuck. The 2022 Chante le Merle is almost entirely Grenache, with 7% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, from a handful of top-flight sites including Les Brusquières, Mont-Redon, and Pignan. Winemaker Nicolas Boiron gives this cuvée a mix of large oak and concrete for the most old-school profile in his range. "A seductive, smoky red, with real depth to its savory character," the 2022 Chante le Merle is emblematic of the illustrious, time-honored style of classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape, expertly crafted by one of its most dynamic estates and winemakers.
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.
95 points, Kristen Bieler, Wine Spectator (Mar 2025)
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.
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Oct 2024)
Checking in at 15.5% alcohol, 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.
94 points, Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous (Jun 2024)
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.
94 points, James Suckling (Jun 2024)
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