Domaine de Saint-Siffrein Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC (Organic) 2021 (750ml) *

Grenache leads here, as it usually does in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, backed by Syrah, Mourvèdre, and a splash of Cinsault. This is the 2021 from Domaine de Saint-Siffrein, an organically farmed bottling from the southern Rhône, partly destemmed, fermented in concrete, and raised mostly in foudres with some time in stainless steel. It leans toward the medium-bodied end of the appellation, structured rather than showy, and it wants a couple of years to unwind.

Expect spiced red and black fruits, black cherry edging toward compote, with the herbal lift of Provençal garrigue and savory, almost meaty undertones threading through. Cedar and a touch of vanilla mark the oak. The acidity runs deep and keeps everything in line, and the tannins are dry, serious, and a little grippy at this stage, finishing on a woody, astringent note that will soften with time. Generous and complex already, but built to reward patience over the next several years.