(large barrel) healthy dark red robe; the bouquet carries weight, sunshine, has a plunge of sultry, perfumed red stone fruits, with spiced sides, a near black raisin presence. It’s a full, generous start. The palate is rich on the attack, unfurls a wave of thick, concentrated content, is broad all through, with pedigree tannins and a note of silk in the texture. It finishes with a lip chomping density, has picked up notes of pine en route, local colour, menthol, smoke. This is beautifully rich and persistent. Here we have an STGT Châteauneuf from a vintage that is speaking very clearly of its sense of place. From 2024, decant it. 5*

Looking at the flagship 2019 Châteauneuf du Pape from this benchmark estate, it reveals a denser ruby/purple color as well as stunning notes of smoke red and black fruits, crushed rocks, peppery garrigue, and truffly earth. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, it stays tight and compact on the palate, with terrific mid-palate depth, a focused, structure mouthfeel and one great finish. This is a brilliant Châteauneuf du Pape from the Brunier family that`s going to benefit from upwards of 5-7 years of bottle age and have 30+ years of overall longevity. 96-98 points