Expect raspberry, dark cherry, plum, dried herb (garrigue), black pepper, and a touch of leather with full body and ripe tannins. The 2021 Rhône vintage was good.
- Varietal
- Grenache-dominant Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend (typically with Syrah, Mourvèdre, and other varieties permitted by the AOC)
- Region
- France / Southern Rhône / Châteauneuf-du-Pape
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, classic Châteauneuf, oak-aged
The producer
M. Chapoutier is one of the Northern Rhône's most important producers (founded in 1808), with significant holdings in both the Northern and Southern Rhône. La Bernardine is the estate's Châteauneuf-du-Pape bottling, sourced from a vineyard the family has owned since 1923.
What critics say
Chapoutier La Bernardine receives consistently strong reviews as a benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape from a major producer.
Pairing
Grilled lamb chops, lamb shoulder, baked pasta with meat sauce