Domaine Jean Royer

France, Rhône

Jean-Marie Royer inherited his vines in 1985 and set about improving the grape varietal mix and the vinification from then. Since more than half of the domaine is in unclassified 'Vin de Table' or 'Côtes du Rhône', he has developed a marque 'Le Petit Roy' sold as 'Vin de Table' for everything that does not make it into the Châteauneuf cuvées. The Petit Roy has been a big hit in the shops.

His Châteauneufs are just gorgeous, and in the context of some of the Parkerised dottiness going on, offer refreshingly fantastic value for money. He has undoubtedly been much helped by his close friend the star oenologist Philippe Cambié, who he went to school with and also played rugby with for many years. Cambié is more famous for a full-on rather extracted style, but Jean-Marie has imposed his own, fresher, brighter style on all his wines, which are crunchy and well-defined.

I was surprised not to see any 2017s presented by Jean-Marie Royer as they showed beautifully last year. His 2018s are impressive and have plenty of upside as well. Lovers of pure, elegant, yet sexy Grenache owe it themselves to try these wines. Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Aug 2019)


Vigneron Jean-Marie Royer pulls from a number of prime terroirs, most consisting of sandy soils. While 2015 was challenging for the sandier parts of the appellation, he’s turned out a bevy of beautiful wines. His 2016s are some of the finest I’ve tasted from the estate. Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com (Aug 2016)


Vignobles Jean-Marie Royer is a very small estate of just over 12 acres, located in the southwestern sector of the appellation, not far from St.-Prefert, with their holdings in the two best known sectors of that area, Bois de la Ville and Les Grandes Serres. Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, www.RobertParker.com


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2017 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Tradition Domaine Jean Royer, Lea & Sandeman

2017 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Tradition Domaine Jean Royer
Southern Rhône Rhône France  15.5%  Red
Syrah, Grenache.

All three of the 2017s showed well. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has classic sweet red fruits, spice, and floral notes, and it’s medium to full-bodied, silky and elegant. The blend is 90% Grenache and 5% each of Cinsault and Syrah.

Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com
Temporarily out of stock
2017 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Prestige Domaine Jean Royer, Lea & Sandeman

2017 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Prestige Domaine Jean Royer
Southern Rhône Rhône France  15.5%  Red
Grenache.

Lastly, lots of black cherries, earth, peppery herbs, and graphite notes emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige. It has more density than the Les Sables de La Crau, is medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, and plenty of length. It’s another character-filled, expressive...(read more)

Jeb Dunnuck, www.jebdunnuck.com
or buy a case of 12 bottles
2015 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Les Sables de la Crau Domaine Jean Royer, Lea & Sandeman

2015 CHÂTEAUNEUF DU PAPE Les Sables de la Crau Domaine Jean Royer
Southern Rhône Rhône France  14.5%  Red
Syrah, Grenache.

Vivid ruby-red. Intense, sharply focused red fruit liqueur, spicecake and floral scents are complicated by suggestions of smoky minerals and Asian spices. Sappy, penetrating and appealingly sweet, offering silky raspberry and lavender pastille flavors that put on weight and spread out stea...(read more)

Josh Raynolds, www.vinousmedia.com
or buy a case of 12 bottles