L'Abbe Dine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Reserve des Cieux 2019 (Magnum 1.5L)

Nathalie Reynaud not only trained under Philippe Cambie, Southern Rhône’s most famous multi-100 point winemaker, but she’s also wickedly talented in her own right. This time, she’s back with a magnificently fine CdP Réserve standing strong at 92-94 points for an old-vine grenache that’s brilliantly layered, fresh, and powerful! We’ve only got limited remaining stores in our grips, as well as a waning few magnums, which you absolutely should snag the last of!

We’ve called it one of our best-ever French finds, bar none, and Wine Advocate says that L'Abbé Dine is "an estate that seems to be turning out better and better wine every vintage," while Jeb Dunnuck declares a similar thought: "... the quality here has been on an upward trajectory, and this is an estate readers should keep on their radar." Hear! Hear! Some of our luckiest team members tasted at the Châteauneuf-du-Pape winery and said it was one of the best tastings they’ve ever had (and these folks have partaken in, and led, MANY a tasting)! The reason: Nathalie’s clear quality devotion and sincere passion, which is revealed in every last wine she creates to be shared.

Nathalie worked hand-in-hand with CdP’s most legendary winemaking consultant – Philippe Cambie – who guided this estate to glory from its first vintage in 2012 all the way until his passing at the end of 2021. This was the last CdP he saw from bin to bottle for L'Abbe Dine, and we couldn’t think of a more touching tribute to his lasting impact on this unbelievably tiny producer. Nathalie is carrying on his legacy and building on all she learned in her time with Philippe, and we agree with the critics here – this is surely an estate to keep an eye on!

This stunning reserve wine is 100% grenache from over 95-year-old vines in the exclusive La Janasse vineyard in the very north of the appellation. This was a tightly wound, densely packed beast of a wine when we first poured some, that nevertheless opened beautifully over about 30 minutes as time and air worked its magic. Ripe, dark berries of all sorts kick things off, with a luscious creme de cassis note, elegant florals of lavender and hibiscus trailing, and a classic, peppery garrigue carrying throughout. Handmade, elegant, stylish, flavor-packed, and just impeccably gorgeous juice that has opened up considerably over these past few months. Without question, its best days still lie ahead of it, as this is a wine to enjoy over the next decade.