2019 Domaine des Senechaux Chateauneuf-du-Pape 750 ml

Châteauneuf has historically been defined by its rugged, exuberant personality. Bordeaux is known for its mannered, sophisticated poise. 

So when one of the top families of Bordeaux’s Left Bank—the Cazes, owners of the famed Lynch-Bages—acquires one of the oldest estates in the cradle of the Rhône, you get a two-for-one deal: the powerful fruit of France’s Midi delivered in a structured, ageworthy package. 

You get the 2019 Domaine des Sénéchaux, a Châteauneuf that stole our hearts from the first sip. Hot on the heels of the previous vintage we offered, which earned a blistering 4.4-star member-rating. This singular red nabbed a 94-point score from Jeb Dunnuck, putting it on a par with regional icons like Télégraphe and Pégau.

This stunner is a tribute to the leadership of Jean-Pierre Cazes, who has transformed Sénéchaux into one of the highlights of the region. With the help of veteran winemaker Bernard Tranchecoste, Cazes restored Domaine des Sénéchaux to its rightful place among the very best in the Rhône. 

There is no extensive lineup of wines at Sénéchaux: They make just one rouge and one blanc. The red consists of about half Grenache, followed by Syrah and Mourvèdre. By combining grapes from different plots, Sénéchaux achieves a multifaceted sense of terroir—the ultimate balanced hand upon which to fashion a wine of finesse and elegance. 

It was the perfect match for the roasted lamb saddle we shared at the end of our Sénéchaux visit, and though it will gain in depth and nuance with a decade in the cellar, feel free to enjoy it anytime along the way. Lovers of all French reds should take notice.