2013 Chateauneuf du Pape

Deep ruby. A smoky, highly perfumed bouquet evokes dark berries, cherry pit, cola and garrigue , with a smoky element gaining strength in the glass. Sappy, smooth and expansive on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry and cherry compote flavors sharpened by tangy acidity. At once rich and lively, finishing with excellent thrust and smooth tannins.

65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault. 50% destemmed and all fermented in concrete vats. Matured for 15 months in oak foudres. Very dark, savoury, racy stuff with real excitement. The non-Grenache ingredients seem to knit it all together. Sinewy and complete. Polish. Long and very satisfying. (JR)

Showing even better from bottle than barrel, the outstanding 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape is a slightly shifted blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 20% Mourvedre that saw the normal traditional vinification (50% destemmed) and aging in foudre. It reveals a healthy ruby/purple color to go with lots of pepper, Provencal herbs and currants. Medium-bodied, with more density than the 2014, it shows the slightly austere edge to the vintage, yet has a beautiful texture, ripe tannin and an excellent finish. It will have 10-15 years or overall longevity. Oct 2015, www.robertparker.com