2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

Moving to the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve, this cuvée is a blend of 80% Grenache as well but has 10% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Slightly deeper ruby/purple, it has a more serious bouquet of ripe red and black fruits, ground pepper, gamey meats, and plenty of Provençal garrigue. Also medium to full-bodied, it has slightly more depth and richness, building yet soft tannins, solid mid-palate depth, and a great finish. It’s drinking well already, but certainly will evolve nicely for 10-12 years, if not longer.

The floral and garrigue nuances in the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve are off-the-charts gorgeous, backed by concentrated black cherries and hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied and intense, concentrated yet elegant, this is a terrific effort that should drink well for a decade. Soft, silky tannins wash over the tongue on the long-lasting finish, lending a certain gravitas to the overall experience and reinforcing that impression of longevity.