First produced in 2005 this cuvee is 100% old vine Grenache. The vines are in a terroir of 100% sandy soil in the La Crau vineyard. The vines used for this wine are all more than 80 years of age. For the aging of the wine, 30% of the wine is aged in new, French oak barrels and the remainder is aged in vat and foudre for about 15 months.
One of my favorite cuvées in the world and always a Grenache lover's dream, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cornelia Constanza comes from 100% sandy safre soils in the la Crau lieu-dit. Made from 100% Grenache that was partially destemmed, vinified in concrete, and aged 15 months in 40% foudre, 30% new French oak, and 30% concrete, it has a medium ruby hue and gorgeous notes of blackberries, black raspberries, Provençal garrigue, pepper, and loamy soil. With medium to full-bodied richness, it's balanced and has a layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Very much in the more mid-weight, accessible style of the vintage, it will still evolve gracefully for 15 years. There are 250 cases produced. Drink 2025-2040. 95 Points
The perfume is like walking into a flower market with a basket of juicy cherries in your hands. The palate is sweet, juicy, round, and supple, with notes of cinnamon, flowers, kirsch, and raspberries. The wine is concentrated, which happens when our wine is made from 100% old vine Grenache from vines that are over 100 years old. The production is small, averaging about 3,000 bottles per vintage. Let it age a few years so the 30% new oak can integrate, and it will become an even better wine. Drink from 2027 to 2037. 94 Points
More oak-driven than the estate’s Tradition bottling, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Cornelia Constanza unfurls in the glass with aromas of spices, licorice, dark berries and garrigue. Medium- to full-bodied, seamless and enveloping, it’s a concentrated, dense wine supported by a solid tannic chassis and concluding with a long, spicy finish. This pure Grenache Noir, matured for 15 months in 30% new oak, 40% foudres and the remainder in concrete tanks, will benefit from additional time in bottle to fully integrate its oak influence and reveal greater finesse. 93 Points
