2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes

The smaller production cuvée is the 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Des Cadettes, which checks in as 49% Grenache, 31% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre that was vinified all in tronconique tanks and aged all in foudres. Its slightly deeper ruby/purple color is followed by a powerful 2018 offering beautiful blackcurrant and blackberry fruit intermixed with notes of pepper, toasted spice, and cedary garrigue. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, with solid mid-palate depth and ripe, present tannins, this beautiful 2018 will benefit from a year or three of bottle age and shine over the following decade.

Made from a selection of old vines, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes ratchets up the intensity level over the regular cuvée. Of course, more isn't always more—things have to remain in balance—but in this case it certainly is. Cola, spice and black cherries mingle easily on the boldly scented nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich yet also lively, with a sense of vibrancy that ripples through the dense fruit and lingers on the velvety, cedar-tinged finish.