Châteauneuf du Pape, Clos des Papes, 2018
The result of a mere 9hl/ha – 30% of a normal crop – due to mildew attacking the Grenache. There is, therefore, a lot more Mourvedre in the blend this year (40%) compared to the standard blend. Beautifully silky, well-delineated black cherry fruit with some bramble notes and a hint of red berry, interwoven with liquorice and black pepper. A seamless but dense, silken structure carries the wine smoothly across the palate. Aromatic, beautifully-balanced and charming – the more refined side of Châteauneuf du Pape.
critic reviews
Bright violet. Expressive, smoke-accented cherry, Chambord, licorice, succulent herb and exotic spice qualities on the nose. Weighty and broad on the palate, offering intense red fruit, floral pastille, allspice, cola and botanical herb flavors that turn sweeter as the wine opens up. The floral note gains strength with air and drives the impressively long, penetrating finish, which features polished tannins and resonating cherry and floral notes.
Bursting with striking red-fruit aromas and delicate cinnamon, clove and star anise notes, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is another terrific vintage from this estate. While certainly full-bodied and powerful, it's also lithe and silky, with an almost airy feel on the palate that translates into great elegance on the lengthy finish.