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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