The wine business is like everything else in life: some things change and some things stay the same. Today's offer comes from the iconic southern Rhône Mayard family. With deep roots in the Valley and a reputation for crafting world-class wines, the Mayard name has long been synonymous with top-notch Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The property has recently been taken over by 5th-generation family member Françoise Roumieux Mayard and her children, Nicolas and Coline. To mark this new beginning, Françoise has given the estate back its historic name, Clos du Calvaire. There have been lots of changes here for sure, but one thing remains constant: the wines are sensational!

The 2022 Clos du Calvaire Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a mosaic of the region's terroirs, rooted in soils of pebbles, limestone, red sandstone, and sand.* A blend of (organically-grown) 70% grenache, 15% syrah, 10% mourvèdre, 3% cinsault, and 2% counoise vinified with native yeasts, lees-aged in foudres and seasoned oak vats, it has aromas of red and black fruits, herbs, potpourri, and the merest hint of baking spice. The palate is medium-to-full-bodied and abounds with flavors of blackberries and raspberries layered with accents of orange rind, strawberries, garrigue, and herbs. Moderate acidity and pliant tannins provide just enough structure and balance without detracting from the wine's plush mouthfeel. 

Check out the press!

95 points, Decanter:
"Provençal herbs and leaf tea on the nose, Turkish delight too. Full-bodied, smooth and plump. It's robust but generous, with plentiful ripe tannins; acidity isn't high but the wine feels balanced and the finish is long. Very promising and likely to be good value." (9/17/23)

93 points, James Suckling:
"A supple, textural, and lively blend of grenache, mourvèdre, syrah, cinsault, and counoise. The nose reveals notes of sour cherries, blueberries, violets, peppercorns, warm herbs, and crushed stones. Medium-to-full-bodied with chalky tannins and texture. Succulent at the core with a fruity and floral development and some tartness toward the vivid finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold." (6/17/24)

ABV: 15%