2018 Chateauneuf du Pape

Based on a blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of Syrah, Cinsault, and Counoise, the classic 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape has a fresh, almost old school bouquet of peppery garrigue, earth, new leather, and spring flowers, all supported by a solid core of ripe black cherry and redcurrant fruits. Medium to full-bodied and nicely textured, with some crunchy tannins and a great finish, this classic, balanced 2018 is another rock-solid wine from this estate that I’d be happy to drink any time over the coming 10-15 years. For a 2018, it should be quite long-lived. Readers looking for the next superstar estate in Châteauneuf du Pape and Côtes du Rhône need to get on Raymond Usseglio’s bandwagon ASAP as the quality here is equal to anything out there today. I still remember writing in 2016 how the quality was on the uptick, and there’s no better example than these latest 2018s and 2019s. The 2018s show the prettier, more elegant style of the vintage, yet bring ample depth and concentration. The 2019s are a step up and offer another level of depth and concentration. Both vintages show incredible purity of fruit and balance. In addition to his Châteauneuf du Pape, don’t miss the Côtes du Rhônes and Vin de France releases!

Most of the vInes for the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale were planted in 1902, mainly Grenache, with a few other scattered plants of other varieties. Full-bodied and concentrated, it boasts massive flavors of raspberries and cherries, with just enough herbal intricacies woven into the fabric of the wine to impart a sense of lightness and freshness—it positively tingles on the long, long finish. Produced from biodynamically grown fruit at yields just half the maximum permitted by the appellation (16–18 hectoliters per hectare, versus 35), it's a tremendous effort.