2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Château de Vaudieu

This is lovely, with lush waves of creamed plum, raspberry reduction and blackberry compote rolling through in unison, carried by a layer of black licorice while a buried minerality reverberates through the lengthy finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2022 through 2035.

The base 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as 58% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault that was brought up in demi-muids and used barrels. Offering a rocking nose of kirsch liqueur, toasted spices, candied orange, and garrigue, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, an opulent, layered texture, silky tannins, and a great, great finish. This is a stunning, classic cuvée to enjoy over the coming 10-15 years.

91P+: Saftig, blød, rig med en fin syre og let herbale noter til sidst. Mere eller mindre åben allerede, og hvis man kan lide dem helt unge, så kan man godt åbne denne – om end 10 år i kælderen ikke er noget problem, og to år ville være en god idé.

Perhaps just a bit more structured than previous years, Vaudieu's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape—a blend of 58% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 11% Mourvèdre and 6% Cinsault—is richly tannic but ripe, while retaining a good sense of freshness. Blueberry and cherry aromas mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is open-knit and slightly coarse in texture but finishes long and harmonious. Give it a year to smooth out a little, and drink it over the following decade. 2023 - 2033