M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2018/2022

The M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an elegant, sophisticated, and deeply complex Old World red wine that beautifully captures the timeless, sun-drenched spirit and galets roulés gravel terroir of the Southern Rhône. It pours a brilliant crimson red colour with subtle brick reflections in the glass, lifting with an immediate, aromatic bouquet of ripe black cherries, wild raspberries, and dark plums, seamlessly layered with intricate undertones of roasted garrigue herbs, sweet licorice, cracked black pepper, and damp earth. On the palate, this medium-to-full-bodied blend is remarkably smooth, juicy, and round, coating the mouth with pure, velvety intensities of dark stone fruits, subtle leather, and a touch of black tea. Vinified to showcase the purity of its fruit with aging focused primarily in traditional concrete vats rather than oak, it is driven by a balanced, food-friendly acidity and soft, polished tannins that carry into a clean, savory finish accented by a lingering touch of anise and rustic spice.

Food Pairing: Pairs beautifully with a wide range of refined culinary options, including slow-roasted lamb shanks with rosemary and garlic, grilled ribeye steaks, venison stews, pan-seared duck breast, wood-fired mushroom pizzas, and hard or aged artisanal cheeses.