Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2020 $48 $34.99

Here is a wine that is not for the typical California drinker.  This wine is a classic example of a wine from the Rhone Valley of France, a wine geeks dream.  Chateauneuf-du-Pape is the top region within the Rhone Valley of France and not only is this from one of the top wine regions in France, but it is also full of earth, barnyard, and everything wonderful.  This isn’t for the big California Cabernet drinkers.  There is no big juicy fruit, no big vanilla and oak, and no sweetness in sight. Rather there is earth, elegance, and finesse.  This is a food pairing wine made to compliment a wonderful meal.  Duck, lamb, beef, cheese all make the perfect pairing for this special wine. 

After receiving 92+ scores for the past 6 vintages, the 2020 was given 92 points from Wine Spectator.  Consistent in quality, this is a must have at this amazing price.  The big-name wines from Chateauneuf-du-Pape go for at least $50 with most reaching triple digits.  This wine, going for an average of $48 is only $35!  Not only is this wine drinking perfectly right now, as I sip my second glass, but this wine can age perfectly for 10 years!

So, this may not be for those lovers of Caymus or Quilt Cabernets, but it is an amazing wine, a style of wine that most in the wine industry love!  If you want more wine geeky notes, read my review which lists the 13 grapes that they use in making this wine, and yes, a few of them are white grapes.

From one of the largest Domaines in Chateauneuf-du-Pape, this wine uses all 13 varietals!  Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Carignan, Counoise, Terret, Picpoul, Muscardin, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Roussanne.  A nose of bright cherry and rustic earthy notes followed by soft floral notes.  The palate is full of chocolate covered cherries, dirt, barnyard, and soft elegant tannins.  A very classic example of a true Chateauneuf-du-Pape.  Wonderful acidity that makes this a very food friendly wine.  It finishes with more cherry, plum, tobacco and earth, leaving you wanting more.

Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

-Patrick Mulrooney