The 2022 Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a red proprietary blend from the Southern Rhone region of France. Produced by Domaine de Cristia, this wine exemplifies the robust yet refined characteristics typical of Chateauneuf du Pape.
Decanter awarded this wine an impressive 95 points, noting its balance and finesse: "This is ripe for sure, but not overripe, and the oak is sensitively applied, giving some shape and focus to the wine. The alcohol is gently warming but not excessive in the realms of pure Châteauneuf Grenache, and it has remarkable length of fruit. A hedonistic treat." The wine is aged for 18 months in a combination of demi-muids and barriques, with one-third being new oak.
Jeb Dunnuck was even more enthusiastic, giving it a near-perfect score of 99 points. He described it as a “Grenache lover’s dream of a wine,” highlighting its complex bouquet of “blackberries, mulled cherries, roasted herbs, and Provencal spices, as well as some meaty nuances.” Dunnuck also praised the wine's full-bodied, layered, and opulent mouthfeel, along with its fine tannins and sensational length on the finish. According to him, this wine should evolve beautifully over the next 15-20 years.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gave the wine 94 points, emphasizing its aromatic profile of “strawberries, pie cherries and hints of truffle and garrigue.” The review also mentioned the wine’s full-bodied, supple, and silky texture, with a long, licorice-tinged finish, projecting a promising drinking window of at least 15 years.
Vinous also rated the wine 94 points and highlighted its ambitious nature. Reviewer Nicolas Greinacher described the 2022 Vieilles Vignes as “gorgeous,” with notes of “white pepper, strawberry jam, cedar, licorice, crushed violets, and menthol.” He noted the wine's ripe, seamlessly sculpted tannins and bright acidity, which contribute to its great persistence on the complex finish.
Overall, the 2022 Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes stands out for its remarkable balance, complex aromatic profile, and long aging potential, making it a noteworthy addition to any wine enthusiast’s collection.