2020 Chateauneuf du Pape

I continue to love what vigneron Philippe Bravay accomplishes from his estate in the northern part of the appellation, and his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is another finesse-driven, incredibly beautiful expression of this magical region. Based on 85% Grenache, 5% Mourvedre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, it was partially destemmed and brought up in equal parts stainless steel and concrete tanks. It offers a huge perfume of ripe strawberries and red fruits as well as sappy flowers, garrigue, and Provençal herbs. This carries to a medium to full-bodied, balanced, incredibly seamless Châteauneuf du Pape with no hard edges, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. I’d be a buyer. This will put a smile on your face any time over the coming 10-15 years.

This has a stunning combination of red-fruit charm, plus blackberry, chocolate and spicy aromas that you need some time to take in properly. Very ripe and powerful, but also graceful and silky, this has a very long finish that’s full of life. A blend of wine from old vines (planted in 1904, 1905 and 1910) with young (45-year-old!) vines. Never saw any wood! From organically grown grapes.