I‘ve always loved the base cuvée from this reference point estate and I still remember being blown away by, the 1990 when I was just starting to learn about wine. The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, and 5% Cinsault that was all destemmed and had a traditional upbringing with vinification in concrete tanks and 18 months spent primarily in concrete tanks, with 15% in a mix of older barrels. This cuvée is never the biggest or richest of the vintage, but it excels on its purity and elegance, and I always find a Burgundian style in this wine. The 2018 has a great nose of kirsch liqueur and framboise intermixed with lots of flowery incense, white pepper, and Provençal garrigue-like aromas. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it has silky tannins, terrific overall balance, and a great finish, all making for a great example of this estate as well as the vintage. Give bottles 2-3 years in a cold cellar, then enjoy over the following 15+ years.
Published : 2020-10-06