2020 Chateau de Nalys Saintes Pierres de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rhone Valley 750 ml

Sourced largely from La Crau—the vineyard famous for producing Vieux Télégraphe—as well as the adjoining Bois Senechal and Nalys’s prime parcel in the center of the Châteauneuf AOC, the 2020 Château de Nalys Saintes Pierres is a wine that Wine Spectator called “alluring” in their 94-point review. It’s full and velvety, lush and intense, with deep fruit framed by subtle notes of mulling spices and a delicate touch of applewood smoke. 

Despite being the Rhône Valley’s most respected vigneron, there was one major jewel that eluded Marcel Guigal for over 50 years: his own Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate. Land doesn’t change hands often in Châteauneuf, and not just any vines would do for a perfectionist who already knows every cranny of the entire AOC. Finally, in 2017, after a 20-year search, the Guigals found their quarry. 

When we visited Château de Nalys, it was easy to see what had made Marcel and Philippe Guigal fall in love at first sight, both on the surface, and below. Yes, there is the stunning château, and the estate’s 400-year history. But it’s the limitless potential of the terroir that makes this property special, and fits right into the Guigal tradition of stratospheric quality.

Located in the heart of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation, Nalys features 120 acres spread over three vineyard plots, including one in La Crau, the renowned Châteauneuf terroir closely associated with Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe. The Nalys vineyard, packed with the red sandy clay soil known locally as saffres, furnishes freshness and silky texture, while the small stones and sand of Bois Sénéchal lend balance and precision.