Chateauneuf's history is extremely dense. One of the most important periods was during the 15th Century when the popes resided in Avignon. The village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape became the papal summer residence (Jean XXII, Urbin V and Innocent VI) and they succeeded in promoting its wines.

In the early 20th Century, winegrowers were regularly acknowledged for their wines by a special board of judges which was set up under the instigation of Baron "le Roy de Boiseaumarie."

Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Croix des Bois is made from Grenache planted on soils composed of big quartzite shingles and sandy red clay. The color is intense red with aromas of black fruits and blackberry jam. It is unctuous and ample with warm tannins. Depending on the vintage, the wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

When it comes to the Rhone (North and South) Michel Chapoutier is as much of a master as you can find, with dozens of top scores from the Wine Advocate and a diehard following to match. His top cuvees are “consistently among the world's greatest wines” according to Robert Parker and his single-vineyard Châteauneuf du Pape are no exception. The ‘Croix de Bois’ Châteauneuf is “another smoking good 2014” according to the Wine Advocate, and a gorgeous expression of Grenache. From 80-100-year-old vines on the eastern side of the appellation, the 2014 'Croix de Bois' is a sensuous rendition of Châteauneuf done in a “full-bodied, voluptuous and hedonistic style” (Wine Advocate). Exhibiting “highly expressive red fruit liqueur, lavender, Asian spice and mineral aroma” (Vinous), this has the classic Chapoutier level of refinement coupled with superb intensity thanks to the famous smooth pebble soil (galets roules) of Châteauneuf.