M. Chapoutier, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Grenade

Critic ratings

• Jeb DunnuckReviewed Nov 2025Drinking window: 2025–2045

  99/100

  Absolute killer stuff, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Grenade comes from a tiny parcel just outside the village (on the southern edge), and it's certainly up there with the most exciting new cuvées in the region. This 100% Grenache fermented with 30% stems shows a Rayas-like style in its sweet kirsch, strawberries, sappy flowers, and minty, peppery garrigue-driven aromatics. It’s medium to full-bodied, with a silky, layered, elegant mouthfeel, flawless balance, and a great finish. An absolute dream of a Châteauneuf du Pape that should keep for two decades, this is one of the few true "wow" wines in the vintage. Drink 2025-2045. Chapoutier continues to produce a wide range of wines across the Southern Rhône, from value-driven Côtes du Rhône and Lubéron bottlings to serious single-vineyard Châteauneuf-du-Papes. While they produce solid (and even outstanding) wines from Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and Rasteau, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape lineup is where things truly shine. The range includes the classic La Bernardine (80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre), the 100% Syrah Serus (which unsurprisingly has a very Northern Rhône-like character), and three serious single-parcel wines: Pie Vi (95% Grenache, 5% Syrah), Barbe Rac (100% Grenache from the western side of the appellation), and Croix de Bois (100% Grenache from the eastern side). The newest addition is La Grenade, a 100% Grenache from a tiny parcel just outside the village that's fermented with 30% stems and shows an incredibly complex, Rayas-like elegance, and I don’t make that comparison lightly. The 2023 La Grenade is one of the few true "wow" wines in the vintage, and the 2024 looks equally impressive. These top Châteauneuf-du-Papes are world-class.

  Read more

  Source (opens in a new tab)

• Decanter World Wine AwardsReviewed Apr 2024Drinking window: 2024–2032

  94/100

  Gorgeous nose of strawberries and violets. Generous and silky, medium- to full-bodied but light in tannin and extraction. The sweet strawberry and Victoria plums are matched with a gently insistent acid line, and it finishes dry, on just-ripe tannins and a touch of orange peel. An approachable, drinkable, refreshing style of Châteauneuf. Grown on sandy soils in lieu-dit La Grenade to the east of the appellation, 30% to 40% whole bunch.

  Read more

  Source (opens in a new tab)

• Nicolas GreinacherReviewed Oct 2025Drinking window: 2026–2040

  92/100

  The 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lieu-dit La Grenade is a single-variety Grenache grown on dark red soils with old alluvial quartzite pebbles. Vivid orange blossom, forest strawberry, white pepper and a pinch of dried herbs are all pushed forward. Medium- to full-bodied and totally refined, the 2023 is a remarkably elegant take on the appellation, bursting with pep and clocking out with delicacy on the nuanced finish.

  Read more

  Source (opens in a new tab)