Domaine Charvin 2021 Cotes-du-Rhone 'Le Poutet'

"Domaine Charvin has long been a favourite of mine, a phrase that I feel is getting overworked given my affection for these wines... Another cliche here is that this wine drinks well above its level, a 'baby' Chateauneuf-du-Pape in the best sense. Indeed, the blending and winemaking treatment is almost identical across the two wines. Like its older Chateauneuf sister, the Charvin is entirely elevated and fermented in concrete tanks and is immediately distinguished from its appellation peers by its elegance and red-fruited aromas. Dried herbs, spicy and mineral notes, and some darker blue fruit in the background. The palate is fresh, and I can imagine this ageing almost as well as the CdP. Ample concentration for the 2021 vintage as well as an ample food friendly line of acidity. The fully-ripe tannins are quite serious for a Cotes du Rhone, particularly next to some of the more rustic offerings at this level." - David