Châteauneuf-du-Pape Charles Giraud Rouge Isabel Ferrando

This is large in scale, showing off a range of cassis, red tea, crushed plum, warmed cherry compote, Turkish coffee, melted red licorice and warm earth flavors, all seamlessly layered and carried through a lush, yet focused finish. The warm earth note provides the ground wire in the end as the fruit takes an encore. Gorgeous. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best from 2024 through 2040.

Lovely vibrant nose, the Mourvèdre really makes itself known. Very full-bodied and flowing on the palate, but it's backed up by amazing vibrancy of fruit and a deep-set vein of salinity that accentuates the freshness further. Finishes long and vibrant, like a peacock's tail. Vines are 80 years old, grown mostly on galets roulés over blue clay. The Grenache is not destemmed. Fermented in concrete tanks, then aged for 18 months in demi-muids.

An assemblage of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, both aged in demi-muids, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud features a hint of brown sugar on the nose, then waves of blueberries, black cherries and plums, plus some more savory suggestions of black olives. Full-bodied and showing tremendous richness and depth, it's sturdier and denser than the Auguste Favier, with a long, dark, earthy finish and plenty of tannin. Give it some serious time in the cellar. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. 2025 - 2040