Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2020 (750ML)

97 JS / 94 JD / 94 VM

#57 James Suckling's Top 100 Wines of France 2023

This great Chateauneuf combines the richness of the vintage with remarkable precision and vitality. Stacks of ripe damson plum, licorice and candied orange. Great tannin structure and lots of power on the full-bodied palate, with bitter chocolate and a stony character that builds at the very long, super-focused finish. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.--James Suckling

Another beautiful wine from Laurent, his 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a classic blend of 82% Grenache, 5% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, and the rest Vaccarese and Counoise, all from the northern part of the appellation, aged in tank. Perfumed red fruits, rose petals, spice, and sappy, peppery garrigue all flow to a medium to full-bodied, seamless 2020 with silky tannins, wonderful balance, and a great finish. It needs 3-5 years in the cellar to hit the early stages of its drink window, where it should keep nicely for over a decade. Jeb Dunnuck

A blend of 82% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah and equal proportions of Vaccarèse and Counoise, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape spent 21 months in concrete vats. The result is a vibrant red wine, bursting with precise aromas of ripe red fruits, blackberry, licorice as well as hints of dried thyme and lavender. Full-bodied, rich and layered, it is flawlessly balanced by fresh acidity and ends with good persistence on the savory finish. -- Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media