2019 Chateauneuf du Pape

The classic 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of varieties, raised two years in foudre. Gorgeous and incredibly Provençal notes of ripe cherries, blackberries, new saddle leather, and peppery garrigue give way to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, seamless Châteauneuf du Pape with a wonderful sense of purity and freshness, both good acidity and building tannins, and a great finish. This is pure, traditional, utterly classic Châteauneuf du Pape done brilliantly. Buy a case and enjoy any time over the coming 15+ years. Proprietor Jean-Paul Versino continues to make a classic, traditional style of Châteauneuf du Pape that I continue to buy and cellar. While his 2019s are some of the finest I’ve tasted, the 2020s aren’t far behind.

70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% others. Certified organic. Aged for 24 months in foudre (100%). Cask sample. Tasted blind. Distinct leather and sweaty character on the nose. Quite a lively palate with good freshness, the leather character is there with some slight balsamic notes – a little drying on the finish. (AC)