2022 Chateauneuf du Pape

The deeper ruby-hued 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape is based on 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest equal parts Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Counoise that was raised in concrete tank (90%) and new oak (10%). Wild strawberries, raspberries, spring flowers, and a kiss of black pepper define the aromatics, and this beauty hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a pure, layered mouthfeel, and integrated tannins. Its balance as well as its purity are spot on, and savvy readers should snatch this up. It's not going to make terribly old bones (and I don't suspect many 2022s will), but it's a gorgeous effort to enjoy over the coming 10-12 years.

Macerated for 30 days, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape from Domaine de la Solitude, a blend of 65% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Cinsault and 5% Counoise, offers up aromas of dark cherries, rose, violets, dark wild berries and licorice. Medium-bodied, round and enveloping, it's perfectly juicy with a sappy mid-palate, concluding with a fresh, penetrating finish. This is a classic, elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape, partly destemmed and matured for 15 months in concrete tanks (90%) and the rest in new barrels.

30% Clairette, 20% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne, 10% Clairette Rose, 10% Picpoul Blanc, 10% Bourboulenc. Whole-bunch-pressed. Aged for 10 months in new oak barrels. Certified organic. Tasted blind. A shy nose. There is so much concentration and intensity here – grilled nut, popcorn, butter and honey with custard. Still has a crystalline purity as well. Dense with so many layers of flavour, texture and with superb tension. A totally complete wine – absolutely superb. (AC)