Domaine de Panisse - "Le Mas" Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2022

Domaine de Panisse, located in the far northeast corner of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, was revitalized in 2020 by siblings Marilou and Axel Vacheron. After growing up among the hallowed vineyards and cellar of Clos du Caillou, the sibling duo took over the property which is just 2 km north of their familial estate. Situated around a 15th-century farmhouse, Domaine de Panisse consists of 6.5 hectares of ancient vineyards — some planted as early as 1924 — featuring Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Cinsault. These older vines radiate from the property in a natural formation that allows for precise, attentive vineyard work. The terroir is composed of sandy and silty soils with clay and large quartz stones, offering strong drought resistance, while the surrounding landscape of lavender, olive trees, and cypress supports biodiversity and vine health.

Farmed according to organic and biodynamic principles (with certification underway), the vineyards are harvested by hand and fermented with indigenous yeasts in a mix of stainless steel, cement, and wooden vessels. The wines are aged for approximately 15 months in demi-muid and barrique, then bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur. Domaine de Panisse produces elegant, balanced wines that combine incomparable freshness and energy with the depth and aromatic complexity typical of the southern Rhône, reflecting both the estate’s heritage and a forward-looking approach to winemaking.

Domaine de Panisse’s 2022 La Mas offers a beautiful marriage between the warmth and generosity of the vintage and an ethereal elegance that flows through the wine. Deep ruby with garnet reflections, La Mas opens with an expressive bouquet of ripe black cherry, macerated raspberry and plum compote layered with garrigue, cracked pepper and hints of lavender and dried herbs. The supple palate possesses a divine core of juicy red and dark fruits accented with subtle undertones of licorice and warm earth, adding lovely depth and complexity. Lush yet well-structured, fine-grained tannins seamlessly frame these mouthwatering fruit flavors. The wine shows impressive balance — ripeness tempered by freshness — with touches of spice, cocoa and mineral tension emerging through the mid-palate. The finish is long and persistent, marked by savory herbal notes and a gentle warmth, suggesting both immediate charm and the capacity to evolve gracefully over the next decade-plus.