Wine Reviews

A focused, dense and well-composed blend of 40% grenache, 40% mourvedre and 20% syrah. Aromas of red berries, spiced cherries, dried herbs, tobacco and burnt leaves. It’s full-bodied with plush tannins. It’s polished and plain, with a dense core of juicy berries mingling with the spices. Well structured with a long, well-driven finish. From organically grown grapes

This wine’s 25% new oak (the balance is matured in a mix of older barrels and foudres) has given the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes a pronounced floral, spicy character that’s a bit odd for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, but it’s pleasant when combined with the dark, cassis-like fruit. With its round, plump mouthfeel and ample weight on the palate, this is rather supple and charming for a cuvée that historically has demanded aging.

Plum reduction and cherry preserves are ripe and decadent in this red, backed up by slightly chewy tannins that give this good grip. Shows attractive concentration, but good energy too, with crushed iron laying a solid groundwork, while singed alder, dried flowers and toasted aniseed detail the long finish.

A complete expression from 80-year-old vines in this focused GSM blend. Its purity is reminiscent of a perfect brunch experience, but in a glass. Red and black berry jam with fine barrel spices seduces the nose and palate, and demonstrates its aging potential for years to come.

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes is a blend of 48% Mourvèdre, 32% Syrah and 20% Grenache from vines with an average age of 80 years. Pronounced aromas of red and black fruits, thyme, mint, cloves, crème de cassis and a dash of white pepper usher in the 2020 Cuvée des Cadettes. The result is a terrific red with a muscular profile, framed by velvety tannins and balanced by lively acidity. Full-bodied and bold, the finish is persistent and has the edge over the 2019.