Our Rating
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Red Blend
The 2020 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is characterized by its balance and approachable fruit profiles, and this release from Domaine du Grand Tinel follows that trajectory. Despite a high ABV of 15.5%, the wine maintains a sense of focus through its concentrated fruit and structured tannins. It serves as a reliable example of how traditional blending practices in this region can produce a wine that is both weighty and refined. This bottle is currently entering its primary drinking window and is expected to evolve through 2032.
Domaine du Grand Tinel is a significant estate in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, established through the union of the Establet and Jeune families in the 1960s. The estate spans approximately 74 hectares, with 56 hectares dedicated to Châteauneuf-du-Pape and the remainder in Côtes-du-Rhône. These holdings include a diverse range of terroir, from the iconic galets roulés river stones to sandy and limestone soils. Many of the vines are of considerable age, with some Grenache parcels dating back over 100 years.
The estate achieved High Environmental Value (HVE) Level 3 certification in 2020, reflecting a commitment to biodiversity and sustainable agricultural practices. This certification emphasizes the management of water resources and the reduction of chemical treatments throughout the vineyard. By maintaining these diverse plots, the winery ensures that each vintage captures the varied mineral and textural components of the northern and central sectors of the appellation.
Winemaking at the estate is a multi-generational family effort currently led by Christophe Jeune along with his sisters, Isabelle and Béatrice. They continue the legacy of their father, Pierre Elie Jeune, by focusing on traditional Southern Rhône methods. The team utilizes a three-level gravity-fed winery designed to handle fruit with minimal intervention. Their philosophy emphasizes manual harvesting and rigorous sorting to ensure only the highest quality berries reach the fermentation vats.
In the cellar, Christophe and his team employ temperature-controlled fermentation and traditional aging vessels. While some Syrah and Mourvèdre components may see time in foudres or demi-muids to soften their tannins, the Grenache is often kept in stainless steel or concrete to preserve its primary fruit intensity. This balanced approach to oak ensures that the finished wine retains its regional identity without becoming overwhelmed by wood-derived flavors.
Look
In the glass, the wine displays a deep ruby color that remains consistent to the rim, showing the density and extraction typical of the 2020 vintage.
Smell
The nose is expressive and layered, led by aromas of black cherry, cassis, and ripe plum. These fruit notes are complemented by savory non-fruit aromatics, including dried lavender, tobacco leaf, and a distinct hint of black pepper. There is a subtle earthiness reminiscent of wet stone and forest floor that adds depth to the initial fruit-forward impression.
Taste
On the palate, the wine is full-bodied with a concentrated core of blackberry and huckleberry. The tannins are firm and grippy, providing a clear framework that suggests longevity, while the acidity is moderate and integrated. Notes of licorice and baking spice emerge on the mid-palate, leading into a long, persistent finish that tapers with a slight mineral touch. The alcohol provides a warming sensation but does not overshadow the detailed fruit profile.
The 2020 Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a well-executed expression of its variety and region. It brings together the ripeness of a warm vintage with the technical polish required for aging. For those opening the bottle today, a decant of 60 to 90 minutes is recommended to allow the tannins to resolve and the aromatics to fully open. It remains a confident, age-worthy style that holds its place among the serious bottlings of the Southern Rhône.
France
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Red Blend
15.5
Michael Corso
60-90 minutes
Now - 2032
Domaine du Grand Tinel
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