Château de Beaucastel is one of the most iconic names in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and the Hommage à Jacques Perrin is its crowning achievement. Made as a tribute to visionary winemaker Jacques Perrin, it is an old-vine cuvée made only in exceptional vintages. The high percentage of Mourvèdre in the blend (60%) gives it tremendous structure and even greater aging potential. It is a voluptuous and powerful wine delivering intense aromas of blackberries, truffle, and garrigue, while the palate is muscular and complex, with layers of dark fruit, earth, and spices.

Founded and family-owned since 1900 Clos Saint Jean is known for its bold and powerful wines. Deus-Ex Machina refers to ancient Greek theatre whereby the plot is abruptly changed by a “god from the machine” (i.e. a person hanging from a crane).

A blend of old-vine Grenache and Mourvèdre is full-bodied and opulent, with explosive aromas of ripe blackberries, licorice, and smoked herbs. On the palate, it is rich and velvety, with an incredible concentration of flavors, including dark chocolate, black fruits, and a savory, earthy complexity. The finish is long and persistent, making this a wine for those who appreciate Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s more modern, polished style. While it might be irresponsible to suggest this wine be considered a divine intervention, it does flaunt some seriously impressive scores.

While reds dominate Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the region’s whites are equally remarkable, and Clos des Papes is one of the masters of this style. Their Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc, offering a fresh and aromatic profile. Expect aromas of white peach, citrus blossom, and almond, followed by a palate that is both rich and zesty, with a fine minerality and a long, clean finish. This white is structured enough to age, yet lively enough to be enjoyed in its youth.

La Janasse is a celebrated estate that produces some of the most expressive wines in the region. The Cuvée XXL is a rare, limited-production wine that showcases the concentration and power of old-vine Grenache. With intense aromas of black cherry, kirsch, and spice, this wine is a powerhouse, yet it retains a surprising freshness and balance. The palate is dense and layered, with a rich texture and flavors of dark fruit, cocoa, and Provençal herbs. It’s a monumental wine that will evolve beautifully with time.

Domaine Pegau is a benchmark producer in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, known for its traditional approach to winemaking. The Cuvée da Capo is made only in the finest vintages and represents the pinnacle of Pegau’s craftsmanship. A blend of 13 permitted grape varieties, this wine is rich and full-bodied, with intense aromas of black olive, tapenade, dried herbs, and dark fruit. On the palate, it is incredibly complex, with layers of plum, spice, leather, and a touch of game. The wine is structured, with firm tannins and a long, powerful finish, making it perfect for long-term aging.

Another gem from Château de Beaucastel, the Roussanne Vieilles Vignes is a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape made from 100% old-vine Roussanne. This wine is a rarity and offers a unique perspective on the potential of white Châteauneuf. Aromas of honey, apricot, and wildflowers fill the glass, while the palate is rich and luxurious, with a creamy texture and flavors of ripe stone fruits, hazelnut, and a touch of spice. Despite its richness, the wine has a bright acidity that keeps it fresh and lively. A truly age-worthy white that is both opulent and elegant.