The 2023 Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf du Pape Les Safres is a noteworthy red wine from the esteemed Southern Rhône region of France. Produced by Le Clos du Caillou, this wine is a proprietary blend, consisting predominantly of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. The grapes are sourced from the sandy Safre soils in the les Bédines area, with the wine undergoing full destemming and aging for 14 months in foudre.
Jeb Dunnuck of jebdunnuck.com awarded this wine a commendable score of 93, describing it as "cut from the same cloth as the Les Quartz." Dunnuck highlights the aromatic profile, noting that "ripe red berry fruits, crushed stone, flowers, and subtle spice all shine." This suggests a complex and inviting bouquet that wine enthusiasts might find appealing.
In terms of structure, the Châteauneuf du Pape Les Safres is characterized by its medium body and a "pure, focused, elegant mouthfeel," as Dunnuck notes. The wine's balance is particularly praised, fitting into what Dunnuck describes as "the straight, clean, technical style of this estate today." This implies that the wine is crafted with precision and care, adhering to the modern winemaking techniques of Le Clos du Caillou.
The production of this vintage is relatively limited, with approximately 1,916 cases available. Dunnuck suggests that the wine will be at its best between 2025 and 2038, indicating its potential for aging and development over time.
Overall, the 2023 Le Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf du Pape Les Safres is a finely crafted wine with a harmonious blend of flavors and an elegant structure, making it a compelling choice for those who appreciate well-balanced and technically proficient wines.