La Réserve 2023 Côte du Rhône - Le Clos du Caillou
Côte du Rhône
92+/100 Parker
Rated by Yohan Castaing – best enjoyed between 2026 and 2036.
Note: The Côtes-du-Rhône La Réserve cuvée offers a serious and accomplished expression of the appellation. A blend of 70% old-vine Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, from sandy soils within the walled vineyard, the wine is aged for 14 months in demi-muids and older barrels. The bouquet reveals aromas of black cherry, blackberry, licorice, and cocoa, accompanied by notes of crushed stone, garrigue, and warm spices.
The palate is full and structured, both rich and textured, driven by a generous core of ripe fruit. Fine, powdery tannins frame the whole, while a lovely freshness provides balance and precision. Concentrated yet harmonious, this wine will benefit from a few years of bottle aging and should develop elegantly for over a decade.
The Estate: Located near Courthézon, Le Clos du Caillou estate cultivates 53 hectares of vines, including 9 in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and 44 in Côtes-du-Rhône, a legacy of a unique 1930s mapping system. Now managed by Sylvie and Marilou Vacheron, with Bruno Gaspard in charge of winemaking, the estate has been certified organic since 2010 and also applies biodynamic practices to certain plots. The soils are worked with cover crops and without synthetic chemical inputs. The vineyard is dominated by Grenache, complemented by Mourvèdre, Syrah, Counoise, and Cinsault, often sourced from massal selections and old goblet-trained vines, with moderate yields of around 20 to 25 hl/ha.
Data sheet
| Note | Between 91 and 94 |
|---|---|
| PR rating | 92+/100 |
| Partner Areas | Yes |
| Recoverable VAT | Yes |
| Colour | Red |
| Format | Bottle (75cl) |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Volume | 12,50 % vol - 75 cl |
| Appellation | Côtes-du-Rhône |
| Level | Perfect |
| Label | Perfect |
| Region | Rhône |
| Areas of Rhône | Clos du Caillou |
Red
Dry white
Sweet
Sparkling
Sparkling rosé
Red
Dry White
Red
Dry White
Red
Dry White
Sweet
Red
Dry white
Sweet
Rosé
Sparkling
