Wine Reviews

A seductive nose of cherries, wild berries, cocoa powder, vanilla and some dried herbs. Medium body with fine tannins. Juicy and creamy with a polished structure. Poised and silky with a succulent core of cherries at the finish. Drink or hold.

A perfumed nose of spiced cherries, forest berries, dried thyme, cloves and a touch of leather, too. It’s full-bodied with creamy tannins and texture. Round with a velvety touch and a rich core of raspberries on the center palate. Some spicy character to the juicy finish. Drink or hold.

Gamy and earthy, with bright cassis and damson plum streaked with smoked meat, singed garrigue, violet and a note of tar. Boasts black tea tannins that hem in the round palate, with an iodine note and acidity providing balance. Shows sweet spices on the finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault.

I loved the classic 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape from this great estate, which is based on 38% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, and the rest a mix of varieties. It was partially destemmed and brought up in 15% new oak. Currants, darker cherries, earthy garrigue, and spicy notes all emerge on the nose, and it’s medium-bodied, balanced, and shines for its purity of fruit. It’s beautifully done and well worth following over the coming 10-12 years.

Subtle damson hints, nicely tucked in and focussed on the palate with a distinctly saline finish.