2022 is an exceptional vintage for many reasons: firstly, because of the exceptionally early, hot and dry spring and summer with only 96 mm of rain
from January to August. This rainfall deficit during the vegetative period can be compared to 2003 vintage. Exceptional also because of the storm episode (composed with hail) on 14th August. Hopefully, Clos du Caillou vineyard was almost not impacted with hail. Exceptional also because of the incredible capacity of resistance of the vines facing these extreme weather conditions (maybe our biodynamic practices helped).
After the rain on 14th August, the mistral wind blew and saved the sanitary state of the grapes that were finally harvested at peak ripeness. We can say that 2022 is a complex and surprising vintage: particular attention was needed to take good decisions of picking at the right moment.
Despite a warm year, the wines are very balanced, show beautiful colors with great concentration. 2022 vintage reminds us the balance and depth of 2015 vintage, promising a high ageing potential.
80% Grenache, 20% Syrah, Ageing 80% in demi-muids (600L) (2 to 9 wines) for the Grenache and 20% in old barrels for the Syrah - for 14 months.
Wine Advocate Review:
An exquisite wine and one of the greatest examples of the vintage that I encountered during my journey in the region, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz exhales a deep, powerful bouquet of lilac, dark cherries, garrigue, dark wild berries, lead pencil and flowers. It's full-bodied, pure and crystalline, with a deep, multidimensional core of fruit, vibrant acids and a long, sappy finish. This blend of 80% Grenache Noir and 20% Syrah, crafted from vines planted on sandy soils in the parcel of Les Cassanets, is a strong candidate for the wine of the vintage. Drink 2034-2054.