2021 Clos du Caillou 'Les Quartz' Chateauneuf-du-Pape
An exceptional expression of old-vine Grenache (85%) and Syrah (15%), "Les Quartz" comes from the finest terroirs of Clos du Caillou. These organically farmed vineyards produce wines of remarkable intensity and elegance, with silky textures and a complex bouquet of ripe red berries, garrigue herbs, and crushed stones.
The palate is concentrated yet refined, with layers of plum, cherry, and blackcurrant, accented by hints of lavender, thyme, and white pepper, leading to a seamless, mineral-driven finish. This is Châteauneuf-du-Pape at its most captivating, showcasing the region’s hallmark richness and finesse.
We came, we saw, we tasted. After an exhaustive week spent traversing the cellars of France, we thought that the tank was empty. So much glorious wine… we couldn’t possibly be impressed yet again, right? Then we fell silent during the tasting at Clos du Caillou and later agreed that, overall, it was probably the most impressive lineup in a trip full of impressive lineups. Caillou sits in a legendary neighborhood in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, their ancient vineyards (many are 70-100 years old) struggling through sand and rock alongside neighbors like Rayas and Beaucastel. Their winemaking philosophy is to meld the natural advantage of old-vine plant material with clean, modern winemaking. When every single offering they presented left us grasping for superlatives, it’s clear they took every bit of the lauded 2010 vintage and focused it into liquid treasures.
Decanter
Quite a discrete style, there's plenty of fruit but no great body or structure. This isn't a negative comment; the wine has good balance, acidity and freshness, making for a very drinkable style. Appealing length, revealing detailed raspberry, star anise, cinnamon and rose petal. Grown half on large pebbles, half on sand in lieu-dit Les Cassanets. Destemmed, fermented in tronconic concrete vats, then matured in amphora. Just 6,800 bottles produced.