Châteauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu

Ripe, juicy and well-formed, with a core of raspberry and plum pâte de fruit pumping along, while black licorice, black tea and roasted apple wood accents weave in and around the fruit. Everything knits nicely through the juicy, well-delineated finish. This has some guts too, so cellar a bit to let it unwind fully. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2036.

The smaller production 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Val De Dieu is close to 60% Grenache blended with 30% Syrah and 12% Mourvèdre. This is always the most modern styled cuvée from this great estate, and it’s aged in 70% demi-muids and 30% new barrels. Its deep purple color is followed by a gorgeous bouquet of cassis and black raspberry fruits intermixed with notes of new leather, graphite, spice, and peppery garrigue. Its oak is beautifully integrated, it’s full-bodied, has a terrific mid-palate, and a great, great finish. It’s probably not for the staunch traditionalist out there but is just a brilliant Châteauneuf du Pape in the making. It’s going to evolve for 15+ years.