More backward and concentrated, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a dark ruby/purple color as well as dense, black raspberry, black currant, garrigue, licorice and lavender characteristics. Full-bodied with undeniable elegance, minerality and precision, it needs 2-3 years of cellaring and should keep well for 15-20. Drink: 2014 - 2034

This small, 20-acre estate owned by the Charvin family is located in the northwest sector of the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. It has long been one of my favorites for the elegance, purity and sensuality of the wines. The first estate bottling took place in 1990. Prior to that Laurent and his father, Gerard, tended to sell much of their production to negociants such as Marcel Guigal. Aside from their vin de pays and Cotes du Rhone, they produce one cuvee of Chateauneuf du Pape from 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvedre and Vaccarese. No white Chateauneuf du Pape is produced. The Charvin Cotes du Rhone is one of the noteworthy value picks in just about every vintage.
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #203 Oct 2012

(95-97 pts)
The 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape should rank alongside the greatest wine Charvin has made to date, the 2007. The dense purple-colored 2010 exhibits a beautiful, precise nose of licorice, black cherries, garrigue, dark raspberries and black currants. Full-bodied with fresh acids as well as a floral note, this potentially sensational Chateauneuf du Pape should drink well for 15 or more years.

Beautifully made, traditional wines emerge from Laurent Charvin’s estate in the northwestern sector of Chateauneuf du Pape, where the family owns 20+ acres of vines. Everything made here is aged in cement tanks. The Chateauneuf du Pape blend tends to be approximately 85% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah, Mourvedre and Vaccarese. One of the best buys is Charvin’s delicious Cotes du Rhone called Le Poutet. Last year Laurent Charvin told me he thought that in 2009, the most favored part of Chateauneuf du Pape was the northern sector, and I think there is some truth to that although it was not nearly as evident when I carefully analyzed the tasting notes of the southern parts of the appellation versus the northern parts. Nevertheless, the north was certainly highly successful as was Charvin. Drink: 2011 - 2026
-Robert Parker, Wine Advocate #197 Oct 2011