2021 Chateauneuf du Pape La Dame Voyageuse

The more Grenache-dominated release from this great estate, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Dame Voyageuse checks in as 90% Grenache with small doses of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Vaccarèse, and Counoise that was raised in a combination of stainless steel, old barrels, and tiny amount of new oak. It's incredibly well done and has a medium to full-bodied, concentrated style as well as gorgeous aromatics of black raspberries, mulled cherries, Provençal spices, and sandalwood. With nicely integrated oak, ripe, well-integrated tannins, and a great mid-palate, it's a terrific 2021 that readers will love to drink any time over the coming 10-12 years or so.

The 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape La Dame Voyageuse is a considerable success, given the difficulties of the vintage. It's the usual 90% Grenache, but perhaps it's a bit redder in fruit profile than usual, with notes of cherries, raspberries and strawberries. It's medium to full-bodied, taut and crisp but with silky tannins on the finish.

90% Grenache, 4% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre, 1% Vaccarèse, 1% Counoise. Vinified in old barriques (15%) and stainless-steel tanks (85%). Matured in new barriques (15%) and old barriques (85%) for 10 months. Tasted blind. Dark fruits, dense blackberry and spice as well. A chewy mid palate – dark fruits. Quite ripe in style – creamy and chewy with firm tannins and a ripe vanillin finish. (AC)