Andrew Guard

2022 Châteauneuf du Pape Rouge, Domaine du Banneret

Ruby tinted robe: the nose is cool, mineral-toned, shows damp moss, spice, cloves notably, cooked plums. The palate offers plum fruit with iodine clarity, holds fine tannins, shows a herbal-ash/cendré emphasis late on from the stems. It’s linear, soft in its gras, has discreet, fresh length, is subtle wine - 4 stars, DrinkRhone.com 

Domaine du Banneret holds a legendary reputation in Châteauneuf-du-Pape not because of massive production or flashy marketing, but due to its traditional winemaking methods, authentic expression of terroir, and a deep-rooted family history that prioritizes quality over quantity. The vineyard spans only 3.5 hectares, planted with all 13 permitted grape varieties, as per AOC rules, which is rare today.

The estate was founded in 1989 by Jean-Claude Vidal, but the vineyards themselves are ancient—some vines over 100 years old, it is now run by his Daughter, Audrey Vidal. Domaine du Banneret is very special because it’s a rare surviving example of what Châteauneuf-du-Pape used to be. It offers soulful, structured, age-worthy wines made with low intervention and deep respect for the land—crafted in such tiny quantities that they’ve become almost mythical. After a long wait, I am very happy to be able to offer them to you in Australia.