2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reservee

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Réserve is a similar blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvedre. Its deep ruby/plum hue is followed by notes of darker berries, chocolate, roasted herbs, and garrigue. Full-bodied, round, and opulent, with the vintage’s forward, incredibly charming style, it has the mid-palate depth as well as tannic structure to keep for 10-15 years, although I see no need to delay gratification. I’ve been praising the wines of Domaine Roger Sabon for years now, and they consistently turn out incredible wines, year-in, year-out. Looking at the 2020s, these wines shine for their purity and impeccable balance and bring more fruit and texture than most in the vintage.

A blend of 80% Grenache with 10% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve marries hints of dried flowers with black cherries and a touch of cocoa. Full-bodied and concentrated, this is less flattering to taste than the Les Olivets at this stage, but it should still be excellent in time.