Jonathan Livingstone-Learmonth, the world’s leading Rhone expert, ranks this the finest Charvin Chateauneuf ever (and better even than the Beaucastel), saying:
The palate is sensuous, flows well, is articulate, bears Burgundian refinement, velvet tannins, is very stately. There’s a serene, gossamer, real stylish increase in depth, essence, running into a really good finish where the juice circulates freely, is bursting with life, energy, blood-iron, herbal notes, local ID on the aftertaste.
Decanter also rates this the finest Charvin ever, saying:
Plenty of texture and interest to the fruit, with really searching tannins. Needs time to come round, will be elegant and charming when it does. Fruit, structure, fragrance and energy - it's got the lot. Very Charvin.