Domaine Senechaux 2021/22 Chateauneuf du Pape Rouge

The 2021 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape posed real viticultural challenges, with spring frosts reducing yields and an uneasy summer adding pressure to bring fruit to full maturity. By harvest, favorable ripening conditions allowed the vineyard to recover, producing red grapes of concentration and clarity. The 2022 vintage, in contrast, was warmer and more generous, giving fuller fruit expression and deeper structure.

At Domaine des Sénéchaux, the red cuvée is centered on Grenache, joined by Syrah and Mourvèdre, grown on a patchwork of terroirs—sandy soils, quartzite pebbles, and lighter gravel zones. The wine is matured in a mix of concrete vats, older wood, and foudres.

On the nose, expect black cherry, raspberry, and plum, joined by notes of black olive, dried herbs, sweet spice, and subtle licorice. In the mouth, it feels plush yet balanced: ripe red and dark berries, a touch of forest floor, peppery spice, and fine, silky tannins. The texture is elegant and poised, ending on a long, seasoned finish. Although accessible in youth, this is a wine with enough backbone to evolve beautifully over the medium term.