2019 Clos Saint Antonin, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Rhône Valley, France | 100% Grenache Noir | 93+ WA

For a serious, powerful, and authentic Rhône Valley red, this is the final word. The Clos Saint Antonin Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 is the flagship wine of the estate, made by the Sabon family, who are legendary masters of the appellation (they own Domaine de la Janasse).

This Châteauneuf is a concentrated expression of the terroir, built on the depth of 60-year-old Grenache vines. The 2019 vintage is famously structured and intense, and this wine delivers that promise with natural class.

Matt Walls (Decanter) calls it a "naturalistic expression of the terroir" with "sappy red berry fruit" and a "natural upsurge of power and muscle on the palate." Joe Czerwinski (The Wine Advocate) describes it as "rich, dense, and compact," with hints of classic garrigue (Provençal herbs) layered over ripe black cherries and dark chocolate.

What else to add? Give it a good decant and pair it with a serious roasted lamb or beef dish to experience its captivating intensity.