2019 Chateauneuf du Pape F601

A worthy follow-up to the terrific 2018, Ferrando's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape F601—named for the vineyard plot—is 100% Cinsault matured in demi-muid. As its predecessor, it boasts crazy amounts of floral and herb shadings—think think roses and lavender, among others—plus black cherries, red raspberries and blackberries. It's full-bodied yet silky and almost ethereal on the palate, yet concentrated, long and velvety on the finish. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Bright strawberries, wildflowers, hints of white pepper, and Pinot Noir-like forest floor nuances all emerge from the glass of the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape F601, a medium to full-bodied, incredibly pure, seamless wine in the lineup that has incredible elegance and purity as well as finesse. It's beautifully done and just an ethereal wine to enjoy over the coming 15 years. This tiny production release is all 100% Cinsault and comes from a single parcel planted in 1928. You won’t find any better 100% Cinsault in the world. Going forward, Domaine Isabel Ferrando will now include all the grapes that previously went to the Domaine Saint-Préfert label. The special cuvées of Reserve Auguste Favier and Collection Charles Giraud will be moved into a single Châteauneuf du Pape, and the new lineup will include a single Châteauneuf du Pape, the 100% Grenache Châteauneuf du Pape Colombis, and the new Châteauneuf du Pape F601, which is all very old vine Cinsault. I believe the whites will continue to include a base Châteauneuf du Pape Blanc as well as the Cuvée Spéciale Vieilles Clairettes. Once the dust settles here, we’ll update the database to ensure everything is correct. Nevertheless, one thing that remains constant is the incredible quality that continues to emerge from this talented winemaker.