Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2004-2006 - March 18, 2026

The name derives from the 14th Century when the "French Popes" relocated the papacy to Avignon (1309-1377). Pope Clement V was the first, and had previously planted vines in Bordeau (Château Pope-Clement). Pope John XXII built the chateau on the hill overlooking the Rhône Valley. The village and vineyards surround it. Vines hade been planted here long before that, possibly by the Romans. The French appellation system had its roots here, having been started by Baron Le Roy (Château Fortia), together with Joseph Capus, in 1923 to ensure the quality of Châteauneuf-de-pape wines. Eventually the system became law in 1936.

The appellation is small, with 7,746 acres planted, but there are over 300 growers. Almost 30% of these are certified organic by the EU. Thirteen varieties are allowed. In red wines, the most common are Grenanche, Syrah and Mourvèdre, with smaller quantites of Cinsault, Counoise, Muscardin, Terret Noir and Vaccarese. Some producers use all in their secret recipes. In white wines, which represent only about 7% of total production, Grenanche blanc, Roussanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, Picpoul and Picardin are used. Grenache represents 75% of the vines, and is shapes the aromatics, textures, and flavors (blackberry, raspberry, pepper and spice). Mourvèdre is used for color, complexity, structure and resistance to oxidation. Syrah contributes color, ripe black fruit flavors and complexity.

Many of best vineyards (esp. north and northwest) are covered by galets roules, the large, rounded stones that slowly radiate heat in the evening. Towards the south of the village, there are fewer stones with gravel and decomposed rock mixed with clay and sand. The climate is sunny (>2700 hr/yr), hot and relatively dry (about 700 mm/yr). Mistral winds - cold and dry - blows off the Alps for about 100-150 days of the year.

Starter

2006 Domaine Pouizin-Vacheron, Le Clos du Caillou, "Les Safres" (Grenanche blanc, Clairette, Roussane)

Red
2004 Château Fortia "Cuvée Baron", Le Roy de Boiseaumarié (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre)
2004 M. Chapoutier, "La Bernardine" (Grenache)
2004 Château de Beaucastel (30% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault, 5% Counoise, plus others)
2005 Domaine du Caillou (Dom. Pouizin-Vacheron), "Les Quartz" (85% Grenache, 15% Syrah)
2005 Château La Nerthe, "Cuvée des Cadettes" (60% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 30% Mourvèdre plus others)
2005 Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe, "La Crau" (70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Cinsault, 10% others)
2005 Domaine du Pegau, Cuvée Réservée (80% Grenache, 16-17% Syrah, 3-4% Mourvèdre, plus others)
2005 Domaine du Pegau, Cuvée Laurence (80% Grenache, 16-17% Syrah, 3-4% Mourvèdre, plus others)
2006 Clos Saint Jean (75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre, 3% Cinsault, 2% Vaccarese, 1% Muscardin)
2006 Clos du Mont-Olivet, La Cuvée du Papet (Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, others)
2006 Domaine de la Mordorée, "La Reine des Bois" (cepage secret, but all red varieties)
2006 Domaine Moulin-Tacussell, "Hommage à Henry Tacussel" (100% Grenache)

Dessert

1991 Royal Tokaji, Birsalmás Aszú 5 Puttonyos (Furmint, Hárslevelú)

Images of Sampled Wines:

Page last updated: April 20, 2026 (EB)

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