Bright violet. Expressive, smoke-accented cherry, Chambord, licorice, succulent herb and exotic spice qualities on the nose. Weighty and broad on the palate, offering intense red fruit, floral pastille, allspice, cola and botanical herb flavors that turn sweeter as the wine opens up. The floral note gains strength with air and drives the impressively long, penetrating finish, which features polished tannins and resonating cherry and floral notes. 95 points

Bursting with striking red-fruit aromas and delicate cinnamon, clove and star anise notes, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is another terrific vintage from this estate. While certainly full-bodied and powerful, it`s also lithe and silky, with an almost airy feel on the palate that translates into great elegance on the lengthy finish. 95 points

(50 hl large barrel, bottling April 2020) the blend this year was made at the outset since there wasn’t enough wine to fill the large barrels (foudres), with only six of them on the go: dark red; suave, rich, elegant air, soaked Morello cherries or griottes fruit, licorice, on a bouquet that is greatly inviting. The palate serves an instant and enjoyable hit of mixed fruits, salted touches, has real good flair, with a fresh, extended delivery. It picks up dark tannins on the close, is full of beans. I note the Mourvedre (high this year), with its sinew and verve - it gives the Grenache a good kick in the pants. This has silk, will go down a storm - it’s more on the Burgundian charm trail than the rootsy, gutsy Chateauneuf chemin. The close is salty, black olives there. This gives much pleasure. `It’s quite feminine, silken, clear-toned, elegant, with tannins that are supple, not dry, has good matter. There’s a bit of the vintage style of 2014 and 2015 in it,` Vincent Avril. The blend is singular in this year, also: 45% Gren, 40% Mourv, 12% Syr, 3% various. 4.5 stars