2020 Chateauneuf du Pape

A blend of 82% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah and equal proportions of Vaccarèse and Counoise, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape spent 21 months in concrete vats. The result is a vibrant red wine, bursting with precise aromas of ripe red fruits, blackberry, licorice as well as hints of dried thyme and lavender. Full-bodied, rich and layered, it is flawlessly balanced by fresh acidity and ends with good persistence on the savory finish.

Another beautiful wine from Laurent, his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a classic blend of 82% Grenache, 5% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, and the rest Vaccarese and Counoise, all from the northern part of the appellation, aged in tank. Perfumed red fruits, rose petals, spice, and sappy, peppery garrigue all flow to a medium to full-bodied, seamless 2020 with silky tannins, wonderful balance, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar to hit the early stages of its drink window, where it should keep nicely for over a decade. Located in the northwestern part of the appellation, Laurent Charvin pulls from vines in the lieux-dits of Maucoil, l’Arnesque, and Cabrieres. He releases a single Châteauneuf du Pape based on 80% Grenache and the balance Syrah, Mourvedre, Vaccarese, and Counoise, and the wine is not destemmed, and the aging occurs all in concrete tanks, with no contact with wood whatsoever. This is as pure and classic as it gets.