93 point

Brilliant violet. Intensely perfumed black raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of candied flowers and baking spices. Stains the palate with juicy, spice-laced red and blue fruit preserve flavors that are lifted and sharpened by a smoky mineral element. At once lively and concentrated, finishing very long and spicy, with supple tannins and lingering florality.

93 point

Juicy, fresh and inviting in feel, with kirsch and raspberry coulis dotted with garrigue and red tea details that provide nice energy through the minerally finish. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Muscardin, Mourvèdre, Vaccarèse and Terret Blanc.

93P+: The Saintes Pierres aims to capture the full range of Châteauneuf terroirs. The power comes La Crau, the delicacy from Grand Pierre. Large stones (galets) and sand are the two terroir pillars of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. In light of the increasing alcohol and intensity of many contemporary wines from this famous appellation, the Nalys is like a breath of fresh air. The bouquet is both floral and sweet with an almost Burgundian lift. On the palate the wine is juicy, redolent of berries with a spicy undertone and a vigorous finish. The tannins are ample but soft. It is not easy to achieve such freshness and friendliness in this era of relentless heat in the vineyards of the southern Rhône. Even though the alcohol is actually 15.4% it is simply not apparent on the palate. Perhaps the excellent acidity of the wine renders the alcohol a mere background factor. This is not the type of Châteauneuf that gets extravagant scores from the critics. Fine by me. The world of wine can use all the elegant, seductive wines it can muster in these times of exaggeration.

91/93

The final blends had been made at Nalys, although the wine was scheduled to be bottled after my visit. The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Saintes Pierres is fruity and ripe, with scents of mint, black cherries and purple raspberries. Full-bodied and velvety textured, it finishes with ample length and a touch of licorice. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. 2022 - 2035

93 point

Leading off the 2019s from bottle, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Saintes Pierres De Nalys has a focused, straight, elegant profile as well as impressive strawberry and cherry fruits, notes of peppery herbs and violets, medium body, fine tannins, and a great finish. It's not as rich or concentrated as the Grand Vin, but it has a wonderful sense of purity and elegance, and it’s already drinking nicely.