2019 Chateauneuf du Pape

The dark-fruited, plummy and cola-scented 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is a rich, full-bodied effort reminiscent of the 2007 or 2009. Dense, powerful and savory, it may drink well for a short time on release, but expect it to close up shortly, only to reemerge in several years. There's ample concentration and sufficient tannins for the long haul, with a long, dusty finish and hints of licorice that bode well for the future.

So much ripe damson-plum and blackberry fruit, but also notes of licorice, candied ginger and baking spices. In spite of all the considerable power and concentration, this is anything but loud or domineering, rather it tastes very poised and precise. Very long finish with pronounced stony character. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Spicy, meaty, earthy, rich and lushly textured, the wine has depth of flavor, complexity and lift. The wine balanced, concentrated and the fruit shows ripeness with lift that works. The spicy essence to the red fruits is on the nose and in the deep, dark, spicy red fruits on the palate and finish.