At a glance

Producer

Domaine du Banneret

Region

Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France

Grape variety

Primarily Grenache, with Syrah and Mourvèdre

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$40-$60

Tasting profile

Ripe dark cherry, black raspberry, leather, lavender, and subtle game notes with spicy hints of black pepper and garrigue

Evolution: Primary fruit will integrate into secondary leather and earth tones over 5-10 years, developing complexity

At peak: Smooth, fully integrated tannins with elevated aromatics and minerality showing great finesse and length

Structure

Acidity

Medium plus

Tannins

Medium to Firm

Alcohol

14.5%

Aging potential

15+ years

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2027 to 2043

Optimal window

2023 to 2046

Current status

Entering early drinkability with good aging potential

Current condition

Wine shows youthful intensity with primary fruit and robust structure; tannins firm but approachable

The 2018 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is recognized as a warm, ripe year with excellent phenolic maturity, lending structure and balance that supports a long, rewarding aging curve. The wine’s tannin and acid balance allows it to gain complexity for at least 15 years post-vintage.

Food pairing

Grilled lamb, Provençal herb roasted chicken, aged hard cheeses like Comté, and dishes featuring earthy mushrooms

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1 hour) — To soften tannins and allow aromas to open up

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

Conventional viticulture with some sustainable practices in place such as limited synthetic inputs and water management

Domaine du Banneret implements some sustainability measures typical of many Rhône producers but lacks formal certifications. Packaging is standard glass bottles with cork closure; locality of vineyard reduces overall footprint compared to New World imports.