2020 Chateauneuf du Pape

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is terrific, offering classic darker berry fruits as well as peppery garrigue and sappy flower notes. As with the Boisrenard release, this has plenty of tannins and structure, but it’s beautifully balanced and has remarkable purity as well as a great finish. The classic cuvée is 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, with the aging mostly in foudre and old barrels.

42% Clairette, 32% Roussanne, 11% Bourboulenc, 10% Grenache Blanc, 1% each Clairette Rose, Grenache Gris, Picardan, Picpoul Blanc, Picpoul Gris. Aged six months in foudre (65%) and old barrels. Organic. Ripe, round and fruit-driven but with a subtle hint of toasted oak. Palate rich and concentrated but manages balance with a zesty overtone. Slightly drying finish but plenty of matière and potential to develop. (JL)