Clos du Caillou Reserve 2017

Clos du Caillou Réserve 2017 is a powerful yet polished red from the heart of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, crafted from old-vine Grenache and Mourvèdre rooted in the famed sandy parcels of La Guigasse and Pignan. This is a wine where dense black fruit, exotic spice and refined structure come together in a deeply expressive, ageworthy blend. Awarded 97 points by Wine Enthusiast, it stands out as one of the great modern classics of the Southern Rhône.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, the 2017 Réserve shows an intense, deep ruby colour with a dark, almost opaque core and a vibrant, slightly garnet rim hinting at its evolving complexity. The nose is generous and layered, with penetrating streaks of blackberry jam and ripe fig lifted by warm notes of cinnamon, clove and subtle smoke. Hints of dried herbs, cracked pepper, garrigue and a touch of cocoa emerge with air, adding complexity and depth. On the palate, this is full-bodied, concentrated and velvety, offering a rolling, mouthfilling texture that remains remarkably fresh. Dense black and blue fruits—blackberry, black cherry and plum—are interwoven with savoury spice, licorice and a faintly gamey undertone from the Mourvèdre. The tannins are fine-grained and beautifully integrated, giving the wine a firm yet elegant frame and a long, resonant finish. Still just beginning to reveal its nuances, this 2017 has the structure and concentration to age gracefully for 15–20 years or more in a good cellar.

Production
Clos du Caillou’s Réserve is sourced from some of the estate’s most prized, sandy terroirs in the La Guigasse and Pignan lieux-dits, sites known for their excellent drainage and ability to produce Grenache and Mourvèdre of remarkable purity and finesse. The warm Mediterranean climate is moderated by the Mistral wind, helping to keep the grapes healthy and to preserve aromatic freshness. Harvesting is typically done by hand, with strict selection in the vineyard and again at the cellar to ensure only perfectly ripe, healthy bunches are used. The Grenache and Mourvèdre are vinified traditionally, with gentle extraction to respect the character of the fruit and terroir. The wine is then aged in large, neutral vessels—often demi-muids and older barrels—to polish texture and integrate tannins without masking the natural aromatics with overt oak.

Food & Serving
Clos du Caillou Réserve 2017 is a superb partner for rich, flavourful dishes such as slow-braised lamb shank, duck confit, game stews, grilled venison, or a classic Provençal daube. It also pairs beautifully with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine—herb-crusted roast meats, ratatouille, or earthy mushroom dishes—and mature hard cheeses like aged Comté or Manchego. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatics and silky structure. For optimal enjoyment in its youth and mid-term, decant for 1–2 hours before serving to allow the wine to open fully; older bottles will need a more gentle, shorter decant primarily to remove sediment.

Producer
Clos du Caillou is one of the most respected estates in the Southern Rhône, with a history that traces back to the early 20th century and a reputation built on meticulous vineyard work and a deep respect for terroir. Uniquely, much of the property sits within the geographic boundaries of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, on prime sandy and galet-strewn sites that produce wines of both power and finesse. Over the decades, the domaine has become a benchmark producer in the region, consistently earning high praise from international critics for its terroir-driven, Grenache-led blends. The Réserve cuvée, in particular, is regarded as one of the estate’s flagship wines, showcasing the extraordinary potential of its old vines and some of the most coveted parcels in the appellation.

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