2020 Chateauneuf du Pape

Leading off the 2020 Châteauneuf du Papes, the 2020 Châteauneuf du Pape from Giraud is 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre. It shows the pure, supple, charming style of the vintage perfectly and is medium to full-bodied, has soft tannins, lots of darker berry fruits, notes of sappy garrigue and pepper, and outstanding length. A quintessential Châteauneuf du Pape, it will continue drinking well for 10-12 years. One of my favorite estates in Châteauneuf du Pape is unquestionably Domaine Giraud, and the team of Marie and François Giraud have turned out brilliant wines in every vintage I’ve tasted from them. In addition to their three Châteauneuf du Papes (classic, Gallimardes, and Grenache de Pierre), they also produce a terrific Vin de France based on Syrah and Mourvedre, and a fabulous Lirac that comes from sandier soils and is largely Grenache with 20% each of Syrah and Mourvedre. The 2020s here epitomize the pretty, balanced, elegant style of the vintage, and the 2021 from barrel should certainly be an outstanding wine.

A blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre sourced from several different parcels around the village, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape is full-bodied and fleshy, yet also airy and light on its feet, silky and elegant. Unlike the 2019, this is more red-fruited and cherry-driven. The Grenache and Mourvèdre mature in concrete tanks, while the Syrah is in barriques.