The 2005 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape was the winning bottle in January Installment of Pick My Next Bottle. The bottle was not decanted and paired perfectly with steaks off the grill.
Domaine Charvin was created in 1851 by Guillaume Charvin. For one hundred years, the harvest of Domaine Charvin was sold in bulk to negociants in the Southern Rhone Valley. The modern age of Domaine Charvin began in 1990 when Laurent Charvin started to manage the estate. Laurent Charvin was the sixth generation of his family to work at the property. 1990 was the first vintage for the domaine in which they produced, bottled and sold their own wine.
Crimson in color. 14.5% ABV. 85% Grenache and then 5% each of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Vaccarese. Brilliant nose of red fruits, kirsch, flowers and wet pavement. Full bodied with exceptional acidity. Fresh and impeccably balanced. The purity of the fruit is notable. Cherries, blood, garrigue and plums on the palate. Tremendous length and power on the finish. An old school producer who made a remarkable, age worthy wine in a great vintage. Best over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 94 points.
Domaine Charvin is attractively priced at about $60 a bottle. Look for the 2016 vintage in particular. I hope to add the wine to my cellar.