2020 Chateauneuf du Pape

One of the top classic cuvées out there is the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 5% each Mourvedre and Cinsault. Sporting a deeper ruby/plum color, it offers up lots of ripe blackberry and darker cherry fruits as well as notes of spice, ground pepper, violets, and garrigue. It's pure, medium-bodied, has a supple, layered textured, and a good finish. It shows the more up-front, charming, soft style of the vintage and is perfect for enjoying over the coming 7-8 years, if not over a decade. One of the leading estates in Châteauneuf du Pape is unquestionably Domaine Pierre Usseglio, which is run by Thierry and Jean-Pierre Usseglio, with the next generation of Gregory Usseglio now working full-time with the estate as well. The lineup has shifted slightly over the years, with their Côtes du Rhône being replaced by the L’Unique label, which is released as a Vin de France. They produce a terrific Lirac, both red and white. Looking at the Châteauneuf du Pape releases, the classic red and white are now released under the label Premiere Pierre, and they’ve added the new Clos Pierre Usseglio 18 Cépages, which includes all 18 of the permitted grape varieties, red and white. The Cuvée Mon Aïeul and Reserve des Deux Freres remain unchanged and are two brilliant, yet dramatically different, expressions of Grenache.

The full-bodied 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape doesn't appear to have the concentration to warrant a higher score, but it is silky and easy to drink, with delicious blackberry and black olive notes.