DOMAINE LAFOND CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2021

Since 1780, the Lafond family has farmed Rhône Valley vineyards, with Valéry Taulier building Tavel's first private cellar in 1948 and son-in-law Jean-Pierre Lafond founding Domaine Lafond Roc-Épine in 1970, named for the racehorse Roquepine. Pascal Lafond joined in 1978, transitioning to estate bottling, then began organic conversion in 2009 after a decade of sustainable farming, achieving certification in 2012 and embracing biodynamics. Fifth-generation Jean-Baptiste joined in 2015, followed by brother François in 2019. This 2021 Châteauneuf-du-Pape blends certified organic, biodynamic, and vegan Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre with ruby-purple color, cinnamon, cooked fruit, Morello cherry, vanilla, pepper, supple richness, and excellent length.