2017

Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate #233 Oct 2017


This well-known joint venture between superstar consultant Philippe Cambie and Costières de Nîmes’ Michel Gassier produces two bottlings of Châteauneuf du Pape, sourcing juice from some of Cambie’s clients. The grapes are completely destemmed, and élevage takes place in used demi-muids.

94 –  2015 Les Halos de Jupiter Chateauneuf du Pape – Adrastée
Sourced from 100-year-old vines in La Crau, the pure-Grenache 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Adrastee offers a huge blast of super ripe fruit. Black cherries, cola and spice notes intertwine with plush, creamy tannins and linger on the finish.  – JC

92 – 2015 Les Halos de Jupiter Chateauneuf du Pape
The full-bodied, richly tannic 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape smells like mouthwatering black-cherry cobbler, but thankfully, it offers a more savory tasting experience. Cola and spice take over by the time the long, velvety finish comes to a close. – JC

92 – 2015 Les Halos de Jupiter Gigondas
Still a bit tight and edgy, the 2015 Gigondas was sourced from a single grower working in the higher portions of the appellation. Like the Vacqueyras, it was aged half in oak and half in tank. Raspberry fruit picks up a hint of mocha on the long finish of this crisp wine, which could use another year or two to unwind and then should drink well for another 5 years or so. – JC

92 – 2015 Les Halos de Jupiter Vacqueyras
The 2015 Vacqueyras has evidently developed quickly since it was last reviewed in Issue 227. It’s expanded to become full-bodied, rich and velvety, with plenty of cracked pepper, clove and cinnamon accenting black cherry fruit. Sourced from a single organic grower and composed of a 50/50 blend of tank and barrel-aged components, this outstanding wine should continue to drink well for 5-6 years. – JC

90 – 2015 Les Halos de Jupiter Côtes du Rhône
A blend of fruit from both sides of the Rhône, the 2015 Cotes du Rhone is full-bodied, rich and earthy. Black cherry and cola notes figure prominently, and while this has more concentration and tannin than the venture’s Costières de Nîmes, I don’t see it as better, just different. – JC

90 – 2015 Les Halos de Jupiter Costières de Nîmes
Full-bodied, concentrated and plush, the 2015 Costieres de Nimes may not be hugely long-lived, but who cares? It’s a super ripe, fun quaffer loaded with black cherries and hints of stone fruit, and it even boasts a touch of licorice on the long finish. – JC

  • Chemin des Canaux
  • 30132 Caissargues
  • France
  • Tel: 33 (0)4 66 38 44 30
  • Email:

To enter our website, you must be of legal drinking age in your country.