2019 Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes (100% Grenache) brings more opulence and sexiness, with a more unevolved vibe in its ripe black fruits, violets, toasted spice, and Provençal garrigue-like aromas and flavors. Brought up in equal parts used barrels, new French oak, and demi-muids, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, incredibly elegant texture, ripe tannins, and one hell of a great finish. This is a Grenache lover's dream, and it should continue drinking brilliantly for another 10-15 years. This was another beautiful lineup from winemaker Baptiste Grangeon, who fashions a bevy of singular Châteauneuf du Pape from the Cristia lieu-dit located in the heart of the appellation and more sandy soils. Their base Châteauneuf du Pape is always worth drinking and has a Provençal yet fruit-forward style. Their Renaissance cuvée, which includes a big chunk of Mourvèdre and sees some new oak, is always slightly more modern styled yet still oozes Provençal charm. It almost always benefits from bottle age. Lastly, the Vieilles Vignes is all Grenache from very old vines and is brought up in tank and used barrels (it saw some new oak in the past). This is a Grenache lover’s dream and is unabashedly ripe, sexy, and exuberant. I’m just now finishing a case of the 2005, which is still going strong, so it has the capacity to evolve for a solid 15-20 years.

100% GrenacheAged for 18 months in demi-muids (33%), new barriques (34%) and used barriques (33%). Cask sample. Tasted blind. Lovely fruit on the nose here. The palate is fresh and packed full of fruit with fine-tuned tannins and a nice rich texture. Long and weighty and an impressive wine. (AC)