Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the Rhône Valley’s most famous terroir. Known for its bold, inky rich wines mostly from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, the town’s best examples improve for decades, and can cost three figures per bottle.
No serious collector’s cellar is complete without real Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but the Rhône Valley extends far beyond its famous jewel. Towns like Gigondas, Resteau, Séguret, and Vacqueyras produce wines with similar depth, earlier drinking windows, and friendlier pricetags.
Today’s wine is a dark, smooth, organic blend of Syrah and Grenache. It comes from a vineyard high in the hills above Séguret, where cooler temperatures and excellent air flow produce healthy grapes with excellent balance.
After several years of rugged youth, Domaine Malmont’s Séguret 2016 is just entering its drinking window. The nose is dark and spiced, with notes of lavender, leather, and roasted prunes. The mouth is fine grained and intense, with a beautifully dark, clean finish.
Plenty of Rhône reds are inexpensive and solid; some are terrific and pricey. Malmont offers near-Châteauneuf level complexity at a sub-$30 price.
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Malmont Séguret 2016
bottle price: $28
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