The Domaine Pierre André is in its last few years of existence. Jaqueline passed away a few years ago, and her son and nephew have decided not to continue the domaine. We wish it would continue, but we understand: the work of a vigneron is tireless and never-ending, even when it’s your life’s calling – someone whose heart isn’t in it just couldn’t do it.
As we enjoy the last few vintages, we can celebrate the iconic domaine. Jacqueline’s father was a pioneer in organic viticulture, having decided in 1965 that chemicals were bad for his vines and having abandoned all of them altogether. Jacqueline was proud to tend the vines she had inherited that were up to 145 years old. The domaine was certified organic in the early 1980s – among the first anywhere – and for many decades Jacqueline quietly carried on her family’s great tradition.
The 2023 vintage of her red Chateauneuf du Pape is the last that she saw all the way through to bottling, and no surprise, it is gorgeous. Like a few other great winemakers of her era, Jacqueline made a single cuvée of red wine, blending in all the wine from patches of terroir across the appellation. The nose is expressive, showing the wild strawberry fruit of the dominant Grenache, as well as floral notes of violet and maybe a touch of licorice. The weight is medium, with just enough structure and an exceptionally long finish that completes this strikingly elegant wine. André was a master of channeling rich southern grapes in wines of poise and class, and the 2023 is a remarkable achievement.
____________________________
André Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2023
bottle price: $68
