2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Signature

Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. Spice-accented cherry and blueberry on the nose, along with baking spice, succulent herb and floral nuances. Appealingly sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering sappy red and blue fruit and spicecake flavors that deepen through the back half. Finishes long and subtly smoky, with repeating florality and even tannins lending subtle grip.

The base cuvée from the young, passionate (and incredibly talented) Julien Barrot, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Julien Barrot checks as a blend of 60% Grenache, 19% Mourvèdre, and the balance a mix of other permitted varieties. Partially destemmed and brought up in a mix of foudres, demi-muids, and a small portion in stainless steel, it has a great nose of red and black raspberries, framboise, spring flowers, and peppery garrigue. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it displays a notable sense of elegance and purity, light yet present tannins, and a great finish, all making for a terrific base cuvée that I would be happy to drink any time over the coming 10-12 years or so.