2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Castellas Domaine des Bosquets

A tiny production cuvee, the 2018 Gigondas Le Castellas comes from a single hectare of old vine Grenache and was brought up in older demi-muids. It's lighter ruby hue is very much in the style of the estate, and it offers a big bouquet of kirsch and mulberry fruits as well as notes of chocolate, Asian spice, potpourri, loamy earth, and pepper, with a distinct rocky, earthy minerality that emerges with time in the glass. Rich, full-bodied, and elegant, with silky tannins, it's another beautiful wine in the lineup that has a singular, unique character.

A ripe, polished and fruit-driven style, with a ball of creamed plum and cherry puree rolling along, picking up light floral, tea and singed vanilla hints along the way. Ends with a long, seductive finish. Best from 2022 through 2032. -J.M.