Red grape varieties
Grenache Noir — Châteauneuf’s life blood. Warm, powerful and generous, it expresses aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry, cherry, red plum and strawberry. Notes of black pepper, lavender, thyme and liquorice add further depth and complexity to its rich aromatic profile.
Syrah — deep and intense, Syrah has a deep purple colour with almost black hues. Highly expressive on the nose, it brings aromas of ripe, jammy dark fruits, alongside smoky notes of bacon, chocolate and, sometimes, violet.
Mourvèdre — tannic, gamy, meaty and spicy. It reveals flavours of dark fruits, blackberry and spices, complemented by notes of clove, tobacco and leather.
While Grenache dominates the blend, Syrah and Mourvèdre play an essential role in providing balance and structure. The natural ripeness and richness of Grenache can result in higher alcohol levels, while Syrah and Mourvèdre bring freshness and structure to the blend.
Domaine des Sénéchaux
Red 2023
The winter was cold and dry, with regular frosts and sub-zero temperatures, heightened by the Mistral during January. Budburst took place between 20 and 25 March in ideal weather conditions, followed by a return of colder temperatures at the beginning of April. Flowering began on 15 May in rather cool conditions. Veraison was observed on 15 July and progressed steadily.
It was a very particular year, as the summer was not marked by heatwaves; nights remained cool until 20 August, followed by eight days of intense heat. Harvesting took place from 4 to 29 September.
Blend: 59% Grenache Noir, 23% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre.
Tasting Notes
Nose - Intense and expressive, revealing aromas of fresh dark fruits supported by spicy notes and elegant oak.
Palate - The 2023 vintage offers both volume and tension. It is a structured wine with dense tannins. Flavours of cherry and blackcurrant mingle with hints of liquorice and pepper.
Finish - Long and harmonious, showcasing a fine tannic structure that will gain complexity with time.
Previous Vintages
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
Jeb Dunnuck
“Deeply coloured (more so than normal) with powerful notes of blackberries, currants, ground pepper, leafy herbs, and hints of seaweed wrappers (think sushi wrappers), it hits the palate with a full-bodied concentrated, powerful style that carries polished tannins, ample fruit, and a great finish. Marking a subtle shift in style here, this red will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age.”
Jeb Dunnuck
"This estate was taken over by the Caze family (of Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux) in 2006, and the quality has soared over the past decade."