Clos du Caillou, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres, 2021

Clos du Caillou was founded in 1895 as a hunting preserve and only began serious vineyard development under the Pouizin family from 1956. Sylvie Vacheron, who took over in 1996 with her husband Jean-Denis after leaving their Sancerre vineyard, has led the domaine to biodynamic certification and greater finesse. Les Safres takes its name from its distinctive sandy soil—"safres" meaning compacted sand—which imparts a supple texture and smooth tannins rather than the power associated with Châteauneuf's famous galets roulés. The blend is 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre, aged 14 months in 25-year-old foudres. The 2021 vintage came after severe April frosts that cut yields 20-25% below average, but produced wines of old-fashioned elegance: measured alcohol around 14%, strict tannins, and vibrant acidity. Expect florals, peony, and rose alongside fresh red fruit. A Châteauneuf for those who prize finesse.