Chateau de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape 2018

Chateau de Nalys Chateauneuf du Pape 2018 is a full-bodied Southern Rhône red blend bottled at 15.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Ranked #10 on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2021 and scoring 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck, this is one of the most critically acclaimed releases from the 2018 vintage in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Quick Facts: ABV: 15.5%  |  Origin: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Rhône, France  |  Vintage: 2018  |  Producer: Château de Nalys

Production & Heritage

Château de Nalys is one of the historic estates of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, now under the ownership of the Guigal family. The estate draws roughly 50% of this Grand Vin blend from its 38-acre holding in La Crau, widely regarded as the single greatest vineyard site in the appellation — a plateau of large, round galets roulés stones over clay and sand that produces wines of exceptional structure and concentration. The 2018 blend comprises 59% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 3% Counoise, and 1% Vaccarèse, fermented in oak vats and then aged for 18 months in a combination of oak barrels (30%) and concrete tanks, preserving fruit purity while adding subtle textural complexity.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Black raspberry, ripe cherry, and violet emerge first, followed by roasted garrigue and dried bay leaf. A savory, sanguine undercurrent adds depth alongside subtle earthy and smoky inflections.

Taste: The entry is generous with bold raspberry, blueberry, and steeped blackberry fruit. At mid-palate, an almost creamy richness unfolds — silky tannins carry the wine with a seamless balance of power and elegance. Ripe black cherry and sun-scorched herbal notes converge with a thread of salty minerality that keeps the wine energized despite its considerable weight.

Finish: Long and lingering, with smoky, stony nuances gradually emerging alongside black-plum and earthy garrigue. The tannins remain soft through the close, leaving a persistent mineral signature and outstanding length.

How to Drink Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

This wine rewards patient, unhurried drinking — pour it into a large-bowled Burgundy glass and let it breathe for 30 to 60 minutes, or decant if opening within the next few years. It is at its most expressive served slightly below room temperature, around 60–65°F. Given the wine's concentration and complexity, it is best enjoyed on its own or alongside food rather than in cocktails. Pair it with braised lamb shoulder with herbes de Provence, grilled côte de boeuf with black olive tapenade, or slow-roasted duck with cherry and thyme jus — dishes that match its savory depth and fruit richness.

Best For

• Cellaring for a special anniversary or milestone dinner five to fifteen years out
• Gifting a serious Rhône wine collector — the Wine Spectator Top 100 distinction speaks for itself
• Anchoring a multi-course dinner party built around Provençal cuisine
• Adding a benchmark Châteauneuf-du-Pape to a well-rounded wine cellar

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 taste like? It delivers bold black raspberry, blueberry, and steeped plum fruit layered with roasted garrigue, bay leaf, and a thread of salty minerality. Silky tannins and a creamy mid-palate give it a seamless, full-bodied profile with outstanding length.

How does Nalys 2018 compare to Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe? Both estates source substantially from La Crau and occupy a similar quality and price tier in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Nalys tends toward a slightly more rounded, creamy texture with prominent violet and berry fruit, while Vieux Télégraphe often emphasizes more overt spice and earthy minerality.

Is Nalys 2018 good for drinking now? It can be enjoyed now with extended decanting, though its soft tannins and underlying concentration suggest it will continue to develop complexity for at least a decade. Critics note it needs time to fully reveal its smoky, stony nuances.

Where is Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape made? Château de Nalys is located in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellation in the Southern Rhône Valley, France. The estate's prized vineyards include a significant 38-acre parcel in the renowned La Crau lieu-dit, which contributes roughly half of this Grand Vin blend.

What foods pair well with Nalys 2018? Braised lamb shanks with rosemary complement the wine's herbal garrigue character. Grilled rib-eye steak matches its tannin structure and fruit weight. Duck confit with cherry reduction echoes its dark berry notes. Beef daube Provençal mirrors the wine's savory depth. Aged Comté or Ossau-Iraty cheeses highlight its minerality without overwhelming its finesse.

What sizes does Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 come in? The standard release is a 750ml bottle, which is the most widely available format for this vintage.

Is Nalys 2018 worth the price? Positioned in the upper tier of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Nalys 2018 justifies its placement through five 95-plus-point scores from major critics and its #10 ranking on Wine Spectator's Top 100 of 2021 — a level of consensus acclaim that is uncommon at this price point in the appellation.

Why Nalys 2018?

Few Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines from the 2018 vintage earned the breadth of critical recognition this bottling received: 96 points from Jeb Dunnuck, 95 from Robert Parker, 95 from Wine Spectator, 95 from Wine Enthusiast, and 95 from James Suckling, culminating in a #10 placement on Wine Spectator's Top 100 Wines of 2021. That consistency across palates reflects what the wine actually delivers in the glass — a precise, layered expression of La Crau's storied terroir built on silky tannins and serious concentration. The blend's inclusion of Counoise and Vaccarèse alongside the Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre core adds aromatic complexity rarely found at this level. For collectors and enthusiasts seeking a benchmark Southern Rhône red with proven aging potential and verified pedigree, this is a compelling bottle.