2016 Chimère Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review
2012 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée, France, Rhone, Wine Review
From Magnum. Deep garnet in color, partially opaque and bright. The nose is clean and very nice with black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper, black olives and roasted herbs. Medium to full bodied. Great energy and balance. On the palate, this is not yet at peak (maybe it is for a 750ml) but close. Light tannins. Great black cherry fruit with some black olive and black pepper. Long finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. It would work well with a Beef Stew. Drink over the next five to eight years.
2009 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review
This is their basic CdP. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, slight roasted herbs, slight black olives and black pepper. Medium bodied. Light tannins. Good acidity. On the palate, black cherries and cherries with some black pepper and slight char. Good finish. This seems to be at peak but should drink at the level for another five years. Better with food. This would work well with roasted squash.
2010 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois, France, Rhone, Wine Review
2020 Château Fortia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Baron, France, Rhone, Wine Review
This is a blend of 45% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre. Purple in color with ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is earthy with black cherries, black raspberries, spices, dried lavender and a bit of roasted herbs. Medium bodied. Nice texture. Good acidity. On the palate, this is drinking well. Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper and spice. Long finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. It worked nicely with Lasagna. Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.
2015 Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Olivets, France, Rhone, Wine Review
This is 80% grenache with 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault. It is a more traditionally styled CdP. Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright with some purple swirls. The nose has black cherries, cherries, black raspberries, slight floral notes, and spice. Medium bodied. Light tannins. On the palate, this has flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, slight earthiness and spice. This seems about fully mature but should drink well for another five to eight years. Better with food, this worked well with assorted pizzas.
2019 Domaine du Grand Tinel Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review
This is consistently a great value in CdP and the 2019 is no exception. A blend of 80% Grenache, 17% Syrah and 3% Mourvedre, this is a refreshing and food wine. Deep ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has raspberries and cherries with a slight earthiness. Medium bodied. Light tannins. On the palate, there is some depth here. Bright red fruit flavors. Good acidity. Nice finish. This is nice on its own and better with food. A great choice for Pizza night. Drink over the next five years.
2016 Domaine Grand Veneur Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, France, Rhone, Wine Review
This house and this wine don't seem to get the attention that they deserve despite the critics loving them. It is a blend of 45% Grenache, 45% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. Purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is big with black raspberries, black cherries, slight plums, spices, floral notes and roasted meats. Full bodied. Light tannins. Great energy. On the palate, this is delicious. Complex. Layers of black raspberries, plums and black cherries with some char and spice. Long finish. This is getting close to peak and should drink well for another eight to twelve years. Great
2007 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review
Wow. One of the best CdP's I have ever had. This is in a great place right now. Deep ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is incredible with black cherries, black raspberries, violets, garrique and slight char. Full bodied. Sexy, voluptuous texture. Great energy and balance. On the palate, this is just about at peak. Complex and deep with layers of fruit and minerality. Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, spice, earthiness and char. Long finish. This is great on its own and would be excellent with Roasted Duck. Drink over the next ten years.