A bit more Syrah-dominated than usual, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Bel Ami?a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah?boasts aromas of tar, black olive and plum. There's a slightly roasted character to the fruit this vintage, but this full-bodied wine remains s...
The bottle I tasted of the 2016 Viña Real Crianza is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano from Rioja Alavesa that fermented destemmed in stainless steel with neutral yeasts and matured in French and American oak barrels...
A blend of mostly Grenache, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape was brought up mostly in foudre with a small portion in barrels. Semi-opaque ruby-hued, with lots of floral, spicy, peppery, Provençal aromas and flavors, it's medium to full-bodied, has a ripe, sex...
Looking at the two top cuvées, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin (100% Grenache fermented with 50% stems and brought up in foudre and demi-muids) is up-front and sexy, with classic wild strawberry and kirsch notes as well as Provençal herbs, lico...
Lastly, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieille Vignes is easily the most powerful in the lineup and has a rock star nose of ripe black cherries, melted licorice, spring flowers, and gravelly earth. It's rich, full-bodied, has ripe, integrated tannins, and a...