Chimere is a prestigious collaborative project between Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non, the late legendary oenologist Philippe Cambie, and the Maurel brothers of Clos Saint Jean. Established in 2010, this venture represents a bridge between the avant-garde artistry of California winemaking and the deep-rooted traditions of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The wine is produced in extremely limited quantities, typically bottled only in magnums, and features Krankl’s signature original artwork on the labels. It focuses on showcasing the power and elegance of Mourvedre sourced from the famed La Crau plateau in the Southern Rhone, blending the Maurel family’s exceptional terroir with Krankl’s meticulous attention to detail and creative vision.

The 2023 growing season in the Southern Rhone was defined by significant climatic contrasts that demanded constant vigilance. Following a relatively mild winter, the spring brought localized challenges with mildew pressure due to intermittent rainfall. However, the region experienced a hot and dry summer that accelerated ripening. Winemakers had to time the harvest carefully to balance the concentrated fruit sugars with the necessary acidity. For the Mourvedre-heavy Chimere, the warm late-season conditions allowed the grapes to reach optimal phenolic maturity, resulting in a vintage characterized by deep color, structural intensity, and the complex aromatic profile of dark fruit and savory spice that defines this singular collaboration.