Fresh and a bit closed, but starting to transform now with some subtle sous bois notes. Such an elegant, fine and juicy wine, with real depth and pinpoint acidity. Like a fur coat, this is ultimate Châteauneuf elegance, showing extraordinary length, balance and tension. All destemmed, matured in old oak foudres.

A very Clos des Papes vintage,' says Vincent Avril, and I know what he means - a vintage that naturally delivers the kind of fresh, elegant wines that this estate is famous for. A tasting of several foudres point to a wine with natural, easy balance. The Mourvèdre is excellent here this year, and adds great depth to the fresh and delightful Grenache that has notes of black tea, black cherry and iron. Elegant and very fine.

“Proprietor Paul-Vincent Avril expects to bottle 100,000 bottles of something approximating this "final blend," tasted out of foudre. A blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah and other permitted varieties, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape looked exceptional on this day, offering up scents of framboise and kirsch alongside dried flowers and Asian spices. Full-bodied yet weightless, silky and long, this is special stuff, complex and balanced.”

I last reported on the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape prior to bottling, so let me update readers here. It's a terrific, red-fruited version of Clos des Papes, with raspberry and cherry notes accented by hints of black olive and allspice. Full-bodied, taut and firmly structured, with a long, concentrated finish, this is a vintage that should reward cellaring.

Made with the usual blend of 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, Cinsaut and other permitted varieties, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in at 15.5% alcohol. It bursts with pungent aromas of red cherry, raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, black plum, thyme, black pepper and is distinctively spicy. Full-bodied and expressive, wrapped in an intricate web of velvety tannins and balanced by lively acids, it is a majestic Clos des Papes.

Looking at the reds, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a silky, elegant wine that shows the vintage to a T. I was able to taste through all the foudres of the cuvée as well as one that’s a final blend, with all showing beautiful red and black fruits, peppery garrigue, and floral nuances. The purity of fruit is remarkable, and this will be a medium to full-bodied, finesse-driven, yet still concentrated vintage for this cuvée that readers will love.

55% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% others. Certified organic. Cask sample tasted at the domaine. Fragrant and fine aromatically with cherry and kirsch notes. Palate rich, suave and supple, the Grenache component to the fore. Tannins really fine and integrated offering length and persistence and devoid of any aggression. Not the power of some vintages but elegant and pure in style. (JL)