Here is a wine that reinforces a philosophy I've followed for years: buy the entry-level wine from top producers. Jean Royer is one of the rising stars of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and his 2023 Le Petit Roy is a prime example.
If you love classic Rhone reds, this will thrill your taste buds. Rich, ripe, and silky, it flows with gorgeous notes of kirsch, blackberry compote, baked raspberry, lavender, thyme, rosemary, and warm stones. A true "Baby Chateauneuf," the 2023 is the best vintage of this wine I've tasted to date.
At just $19.99/bottle and 20% off the regular price of $24.99, this is a stellar value.
Le Petit Roy is assembled from vineyards both within and just outside the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation. A classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre, it delivers everything I look for in this style: generous fruit, savory complexity, and serious character. Best of all, it comes to you at less than half the price of most Chateauneufs or Gigondas.
Jean-Marie Royer didn't become one of the region's most exciting young producers overnight. Before establishing his own domaine, he trained under the late Philippe Cambie, whose influence is easy to recognize here. The wine possesses that classic combination of generosity, polish, and authenticity that Cambie championed, but it never loses its balance or sense of place.
Fine-grained tannins and juicy acidity keep everything in check, making this a joy to drink with grilled lamb chops, burgers, or on a Tuesday night. :)
I have a feeling we're going to be hearing a lot more about Jean-Marie Royer in the years ahead. My advice? Get to know him now.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
