As I wrote previously, the 2019 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée looks set to rival the best examples of this bottling. Made up of approximately 80% Grenache, with 6% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre and smaller amounts of other permitted varieties, it's impressively complex on the nose, with scents of black cherries, blackberries and black olives, plus mysterious wafts of violets and garrigue. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it finishes long and velvety, a sure-fire bet for cellaring. It's gratifying to see wines evolve as expected during their élevage and make it into bottle just as remembered.

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Réservée showed better this go-round than last year and has a complex, more classic style in its garrigue, pepper, sweet spice, and assorted red and black fruits. Nicely textured and medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins, it's going to be a classic expression of this cuvée that readers will love. It’s always a great tasting with Laurence Féraud, and the quality at this address remains sky-high, both with their reds and their whites. I was thrilled to see the 2020s show better this go-round, and this will certainly be a solid vintage.

Pungent aromas of crème de cassis, strawberry jam, ripe black cherry, garrigue, white pepper and crushed rocks usher in the 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée. Full-bodied, broad-shouldered, concentrated and layered, it is framed by a firm tannic structure and high levels of fresh acidity, keeping everything in check. The complex finish goes on for well over a minute.

Bright and precise raspberries, blackberries, tapenade, clove and vanilla. Lovely freshness with a firm tannic structure. Elegant and pure.

60% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc, 10% Bourboulenc, 10% Roussanne. Aged in stainless steel for eight months. Tasted blind. Gorgeous nose of toasted lime and almond with green mango. Some ripeness on the palate with a considerable amount of acidity! (AC)