2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Classique

The tank-aged 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is 85% Grenache, with the balance equally divided among Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Scents of ripe cherries and cola spice emerge on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, concentrated and richly textured, with a long finish marked by softly dusty tannins. Tasted twice (once blind), with the wine at the estate seeming darker and more tannic—and perhaps a bit longer lived—than the red-fruited, silky perception when tasted blind, but both given identical ratings.

An assemblage of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, both aged in demi-muids, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud features a hint of brown sugar on the nose, then waves of blueberries, black cherries and plums, plus some more savory suggestions of black olives. Full-bodied and showing tremendous richness and depth, it's sturdier and denser than the Auguste Favier, with a long, dark, earthy finish and plenty of tannin. Give it some serious time in the cellar. (JC)

With a solid depth of color, the wine is lusciously textured, ripe, sweet, fresh and spicy. There is a gorgeous sense of purity and along with balance and intensity, finishing with a blend of olive tapenade, black raspberries, dark cherries and kirsch.