Domaine le Clos du Caillou Cotes Du Rhone Vielles Vignes Cuvee Unique 2022 750ml

In 1936, the owners of Clos du Caillou could not have foreseen how consequential it would be to have their hunting preserve excluded from the new Châteauneuf-du-Pape AOC. So when the government surveyors arrived, words were exchanged. Firearms were brandished, and the officials quickly retreated.

As a result, 86 years later, only 17% of Domaine le Clos du Caillou’s 133 vineyard acres are now Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The rest—many just a few hundred yards from legends Rayas and Pignan—produce Côtes-du-Rhônes that many consider de facto Châteauneuf-du-Papes. 

Robert Parker called Clos du Caillou a “fabulous estate” that produces “a bevy of Côtes du Rhônes that are as good as many producers’ Châteauneuf-du-Papes,” adding: “Bargain hunters should stockpile these superb Côtes du Rhônes.” 

In 2022, Clos du Caillou’s 45-year old vines produced an absolutely gorgeous, fruit-driven, pure cuvée that will please Rhône lovers and, well, pretty much anyone who loves a great red wine.