The 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Première Pierre is terrific, with the classic Provençal style of the year as well as ripe red and black fruit, peppery garrigue, sandalwood, and spicy nuances. It's medium to full-bodied, has a pure, elegant, seamless mouthfeel, and fine tannins, all making for an incredibly elegant classic cuvée.

Macerated for 35 days and partly destemmed, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Première Pierre wafts from the glass with aromas of dark cherries, bay leaf, spices and dark wild berries mingled with menthol hints. Medium to full-bodied, enrobing and charming, it's elegant and fresh with a fleshy core of fruit and velvety tannins that lead to a long, fruity and delicate finish. This blend of 65% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault and 5% Clairette, matured for 12 months in 60% foudres and 40% used barrels, is a very pretty wine.- YC

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Première Pierre is game-on. Clear-cut raspberry, strawberry, licorice, rose petal and dried herbs are all nicely delineated. Packed with ample concentration and intensity, the full-bodied 2022 hits the palate with a juicy core of ripe fruits and is enveloped by polished tannins that lend gentle structure. Despite the lofty 15.5% alcohol, the wine’s overall freshness is neatly maintained. The 2022 concludes with persistence on the round and savory finish. - By Nicolas Greinacher on June 2024

Rich, fleshy and warm, this full-bodied Chateauneuf is built on an imposing scale that edges in the direction of opulence. Slightly charred in the expansive finish, which has plenty of bitter orange character. Drink or hold. Stuart Pigott Senior Editor