M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois 2025

Croix de Bois comes from a named parcel of old Grenache vines in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the southern Rhône appellation Maison M. Chapoutier has worked since the family was established in 1808. Michel Chapoutier converted the estate to biodynamics in 1991, and that approach shapes this wine: the vineyard is farmed to keep the soils living and the old vines self-regulating, with cellar work kept to a minimum. The soil here is the appellation's mix of warm stones and clay, which holds heat and water through the dry, wind-exposed growing season and pushes Grenache to full ripeness and high alcohol. The wine spends fourteen months in barrel, where measured oxygen contact rounds the tannins and adds savoury depth without masking the fruit. The colour is an intense ruby. The nose is deep and silky, with ripe red berries, plum, liquorice, dried herbs and black pepper turning to leather and earth with air. The palate is full and concentrated, the warmth framed by fine tannin and a long, spiced finish. Serve at 16 to 18C, decanted; it is built for roast and braised red meats.