Chapelle St. Theodoric is a project between winemaker Baptiste Grangeon from Domaine de Cristia and Peter Weygandt, importer in the USA, with an objective to show beautiful terroir expressions. The 2009 vintage marked its debut with rapid acclaim.

There are two parcels; one in the lieu-dit La Guigasse, which is a pure sand soil and where the vines (all Grenache) range in age of from 50 to 100 year; and the other parcel at the top of Pignan, literally adjoining the vines of Chateau Rayas, also in pure sand and also pure, old vines Grenache.

The vinification is traditional, that is to say, whole-cluster, such as employed by Jacques Reynaud at Chateau Rayas, Laurent Charvin, Henri Bonneau. The two parcels are vinified and aged and bottled separately, but with the exact same treatment, the experiment being to find what terroir differences one might find in pure sand, between vines less than 200 meters apart, both on sand, pure Grenache and traditional vinification.

The result has been a most exciting and successful experiment: The difference between the wines from these two parcels is clear and distinct. La Guigasse is the slightly richer of the two. The Grand Pin, perhaps because the sand is nearly pure white, perhaps the higher elevation or due to some other factor we have not yet determined, makes a wine that is lower in alcohol, more perfumed and finer.

Traditional whole-cluster vinification, indigenous yeast fermentation and aged in various ages of demi-muids. Harvested late, well into October. Usually harvested a little later than Guigasse, but at the top of the Pignan hill, in very light sandy soil. Very low average yields of 15hL/ha. Purity, finesse and great aromatics are the hallmark of the Grand Pin, a Burgundian inspired Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Varietal – 100% Grenache

Soil – Pure sand

Age of wines – 50-100 years old

Ageing – in varying ages of barrels, demi-muids

Deep brilliant red. Ripe red berries, Asian spices and potpourri on the highly expressive, mineral-accented nose. Juicy, sharply focused raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show excellent precision and vivacity, and a hint of white pepper contributes cut. Steadily becomes sweeter on a clean, seamless and wonderfully persistent finish that’s given shape by silky, harmonious tannins.

Decanter – 97 points

Orange tint to the pale red. Extraordinary nose, like walking through a pine forest after the rain. Fine tannins and a gentle plumpness to the palate. Good acidity and a mineral note on the finish. Ethereal stuff, a beautiful Grenache. Grown on sand in Pignan nord, no destemming and a very light extraction, matured in demi-muids for 24 months. 3,200 bottles produced.

Wine Advocate – 95 points

From 35-year-old Grenache in Pignan, vinified as whole clusters and then aged 24 months in older demi-muids, this is a floral, ethereal expression of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, marked by scents of roses, lavender, strawberry compote and hints of pine resin. Medium to full-bodied, it’s silky-textured, sappy, slightly green-tinged, refreshing and long on the finish.

Jeb Dunnuck – 93 points

The 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Le Grand Pin (100% Grenache) is medium ruby-hued and offers a complex, nuanced bouquet of mulled red and black fruits, cured meats, spring flowers, and ground pepper. With an almost Northern Rhône-like gamey wildness, I love its complexity, and this medium-bodied, elegant, seamless 2021 has ripe tannins and outstanding length.