From: Southern Rhône, France

Varietal: 85% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre

Since 1860, this domaine has been handed over from father to son by the Boiron family and is now run by Nicolas Boiron and his wife Jeanne-Claire. For five generations, the philosophy of the Bosquet des Papes estate is to produce laying down wines, meaning that they can be kept for many years, thereby respecting the traditions of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This Chante le Merle cuvée, which takes its name from the estate's former name, Clos Chantelmerle, comes from vines with over 100 years of age.

Tasting Notes: "Lush, refined, silky, and fresh, the wine is already a treat to taste. Though, if you give it a few years in the bottle you are going to find even more ripe, red plums, flowers, smoke, licorice, kirsch, and earth. Balanced, elegant, and richly textured, this is going to age and evolve for 15 to 20 years with ease. Drink from 2024-2038." –The Wine Cellar Insider, 96 points

"Steeped plum and cherry compote notes are the main marker here, though chestnut, sweet bay, singed alder and tobacco flavors all make their presence known. Tar and licorice root accents underline the finish, giving this a toothy, old school edge. Rock solid, throwback-styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape." –Wine Spectator, 95 points

"...[the wine's] deep ruby hue is followed by a stunning array of ripe black raspberry and cherry fruits as well as ground pepper, Provençal garrigue, sandalwood, and exotic spices. Beautiful on the palate as well, it's medium to full-bodied and has a layered, rich, concentrated mouthfeel, building, firm tannins, and outstanding length. It will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age and shine for two decades." –Jeb Dunnuck, 95 points

Pairing: This wine can be served with classic preparations of veal, pork, beef, lamb, duck, game, or chicken, or with a cassoulet.