Laurent Charvin could not differ more than his peers, who often vinify separate parcels into barrel and create multiple cuvees; which are then priced based on rarity.
The staunch traditionalist keeps his range simple. One red, one white, one rose for the Cotes du Rhone, and only one Chateauneuf du Pape.
But there is more to why he is ranked one of the top 5 in the region. 150 years ago, the family sold much of their production to negociants such as Marcel Guigal. The new era began in 1990 when then young, energetic Laurent Charvin took over the estate. His wines are aromatic with good ageability and a Burgundian stylistic, somewhat contrary to the many soft, sweet and fat renditions, made for the American and Asian markets.
His winemaking practice includes hand harvesting, whole-bunch pressed, use of indigenous yeast, tank fermentation and ageing, and bottling unfined and unfiltered.
Each year, reviewers praise the value this Cotes du Rhone, labelling it often as best buy.
Josh Raynolds for Vinous
Brilliant ruby-red. A complex bouquet evokes fresh red berries, potpourri and smoky minerals, and an intriguing suggestion of blood orange emerges as the wine opens up. Juicy and precise, offering sweet raspberry and lavender pastille flavors underscored by a suggestion of peppery spices. The mineral quality comes back strong on the finish, which features silky tannins and impressive persistence. This bottling always outperforms its humble origins and that’s especially the case in this vintage. 91 points
Jeb Dunnuck for Robert Parker
The 2014 Côtes du Rhône (80% Grenache and the balance Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan) is a peppery, pretty, rose petal and black cherry scented effort that has medium-bodied depth and richness, lots of tannin and a clean finish. Aged 18 months in concrete tanks, it should be very good and evolve nicely for a 7-8 years. 89 points