Domaine Giraud Domaine Giraud Les Galimardes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022 750ml

All Grenache from the pebbly, rocky soils of the Gallimardes lieu-dit, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Gallimardes has an absolutely classic profile in its black raspberry and black cherry fruit as well as spring flowers, iron, and flowery incense. I love its overall purity, and it's medium to full-bodied, with ultra-fine tannins and a great finish. It's a gorgeously classic, Provençal, satisfying release that's up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. While there's no Grenaches de Pierre produced in the vintage due to the devastating August storm, this certainly makes up for it and should be snatched up by Southern Rhône lovers! It will ideally be given 3-4 years and enjoyed over the following 10-15 years. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Incredibly fragrant, sexy stuff, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Gallimardes exudes scents of roses and garrigue, adding layers of complexity to its ripe cherries and raspberries. Full-bodied and concentrated, texturally it falls somewhere between creamy and silky, finishing long, ripe and lush yet with a wonderful sense of elegance as well. 95-97 points. (Joe Czerwinski)

The two special cuvées are some of the gems in the vintage. The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Gallimardes comes from one of the great sites in the southern part of the appellation and is just about all Grenache (there’s some very old vine Syrah, which struggles in this hot terroir). While not up to the out of this world 2016, it has a beautiful bouquet of cassis, kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, garrigue, and peppery herbs. Deep, full-bodied, and powerful on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins as well as loads of character. It’s going to drink brilliantly for 15 years or more. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Juicy in feel, with a compact, well-built core of blackberry, black currant and plum paste flavors, infused liberally with licorice snap and apple wood notes. A tarry hint underscores the finish, though the fruit stays dominant and driven throughout. Very solid. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2021 through 2038. 200 cases made, 90 cases imported. (James Molesworth)

Youthful violet. Highly perfumed, sharply detailed aromas of black raspberry, cherry liqueur, floral oils, smoky minerals and exotic spices. Juicy, seamless and energetic on the palate; sweet red and blue fruit, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors display a suave marriage of power and finesse. Delivers a serious punch of flavor but comes off lithe. The floral and mineral qualities linger on a sappy, wonderfully long finish shaped by smooth tannins. (Josh Raynolds)

More tightly coiled than last year, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Gallimardes now seems more herbal than floral, with greenish streaks running through the crisp red berry fruit. A 90-10 blend of Grenache and Syrah from the lieu-dit les Gallimardes, the Syrah spent a year in new oak, while the Grenache aged in tank. It’s full-bodied yet taut and racy, but it should relax in a couple of years and then drink well for at least a decade. (Joe Czerwinski)

Checking in a notch below the impressive 2020, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Galimardes is a success nonetheless. Mixing 90% Grenache with a dollop of Syrah, the 2022 frames melted licorice, garrigue, strawberry compote and crushed flowers in its aromatic profile. Touching the palate with sweet-tasting fruit and ample concentration, it concludes with a powerful and juicy finale (Nicolas Greinacher)