Clos Des Papes Chateauneuf Du Pape Rouge 2018

There is more Mourvèdre here than an average year as the Grenache was hit relatively hard and it shows in the aromatic profile comprising damson, plum skin, mashed blueberry and liquorice. There's also a floral element and a little cinnamon kick on the finish. The tannins are silky, and the balance of acidity is good. It bears a certain resemblance to the 2015 but a little darker in style, concentrated and ripe, more mulled and more butch in style than a classic year.

Due to devastating yields, there’s not much of the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape to go around, but it’s going to be worth the extra effort to track down. Based on 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah and a splash of other permitted varieties, it offers a textbook, classic Châteauneuf du Pape nose of mulled red and black fruits, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper and saddle leather. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied Clos des Papes that has thrillingly polished tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Made in a style similar to the 1999, 2004, and maybe a kiss of the 2006, it has the beautiful elegance again, a Grand Cru Burgundy comes to mind paired with plenty of intensity and length. I doubt it will shut down and it’s going to evolve nicely for 15-20 years or more.