Chapoutier’s Sélections Parcellaires are made from the finest old vines in the Rhône Valley. They’re so sought-after that the 2021 vintage release sold out swiftly in the UK, with the importer ‘pleading for a few more cases’, noted Jancis Robinson. A biodynamic pioneer who’s terroir obsessed, Chapoutier ‘has a global perspective that’s probably unmatched in the Rhône’ (Wine Advocate).
In the Northern Rhône, the Saint-Joseph SPs are the value offerings of this rare selection. The Chapoutier Saint Joseph Les Granits Rouge 2021 reflects some of the oldest strains of Syrah in the appellation, grown on steep, stony soils which produce a red that’s ‘succulent, silky and long’ (Wine Advocate) with great freshness and minerality. It’s an excellent pairing for beef fillet with pink pepper.
Hermitage Hill brings power and his whites from here are legendary. Chapoutier‘s Ermitage Le Méal Blanc 2021 is from one of the top sites, ‘located in the heart of this magical south facing slope’ (Wine Advocate). From pure Marsanne that’s over 50 years old, this 97 pointer has notes of pear, white peach and apple blossom. It’s fresh yet powerful, complex, and ‘hits all the right spots’, says Vinous.
Moving to the Southern Rhône, the Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac Rouge 2021 is 100% Grenache and sees no oak. From 90-year-old vines, this ‘refined red’ (Vinous) is a ‘terrific success’ (Wine Advocate), with violets, cranberry, crushed stone and dried herbs. It will last another 10-20 years.
View all 14 of the Sélection Parcellaires here, including some 100-pointers!
