2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Reine Bois

The flagship 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De La Reine Des Bois is slightly deeper hued, with more blackberry and darker cherry fruits intermixed with notions of roasted herbs, black licorice, and peppery garrigue. It's concentrated and medium to full-bodied, with building structure and a great finish. I'd put it up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. Drink bottles over the coming 10-15 years. The 2021 is a normal blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest Vaccarèse, from the Le Bois de la Ville, La Crau, and La Nerthe lieux-dits, that was destemmed and aged mostly in stainless steel (80%) with the rest in used barrels and a splash of new oak.

Bottled just two weeks before I tasted it, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reine des Bois was nevertheless impressive, showcasing lovely cherry and berry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, it was quite tart and edgy, with rather drying tannins (possibly related to its recent bottling), but it showed ample concentration and length.

80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 5% Vaccarèse. Vinified in old barriques (20%) and stainless-steel tanks (80%). Matured in old barriques (20%) and stainless-steel tanks (80%) for 10 months. Tasted blind. Primary and youthful nose – plum jam, sweet spice and lavender. High, fresh, zippy acidity alongside bags of dark fruit. A bit introverted at the moment, but good fruit beneath it. Needs some time to calm. (AC)