At a glance

Producer

Clos Saint-Jean

Region

AOC Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhône, France

Grape variety

Grenache

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Red and dark cherry fruit, leather, garrigue herbs, pepper, and subtle spice

Evolution: Developing more complex tertiary notes of earth, dried herbs, leather, and truffle with time

At peak: Elegant integration of ripe fruit and secondary savory complexity with smooth tannins

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to bright acidity providing freshness and aging ability

Tannins

Firm and velvety tannins typical of old-vine Grenache

Alcohol

Typically around 14.5%-15%

Aging potential

Excellent aging potential of 15+ years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2026 to 2043

Optimal window

2023 to 2046

Current status

Approaching early maturity with growing complexity

Current condition

Still youthful tannins with fresh acidity, structure remains strong

Old-vine Grenache from a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate has robust tannins and acidity to support long-term aging. The 2018 vintage benefits from warm ripening balanced by freshness, enabling a wine that will evolve harmoniously over 15+ years with a peak plateau after about 8-12 years.

Food pairing

Pairs excellently with grilled lamb, Provençal stews, aged cheeses, roasted game, and earthy mushroom dishes.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften tannins and allow complex aromatics to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

Use of manual harvesting, cover crops for soil regeneration, reduced irrigation, and integrated pest management

While not fully certified organic or biodynamic, Clos Saint-Jean practices sustainable farming methods aimed at preserving terroir and minimizing environmental impact. The small estate scale and local sourcing of inputs further improve sustainability. Transport emissions are moderate given international distribution.