Domaine de la Charbonniere CdP Les Hautes Brusquieres Cuvee Speciale 2020 (750ML)

96 JS / 94-96 JD

An extremely concentrated and refined Chateauneuf that presses all the pleasure buttons, yet remains subtle. Breathtaking energy at the very long finish. Listing all the aromas would take too long, but there’s a slew of red fruits, Mediterranean herbs and a touch of candied citrus in there. Great touch and texture on the mid-palate, harmonious and vibrant. Expanding and ample long finish. A cuvee of 60% grenache and 40% syrah. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Les Hautes Brusquieres includes the most Syrah of any of the releases here (60% Grenache and 40% Syrah) and is sourced from a cooler terroir in the northwestern portion of the appellation. It's another remarkable effort revealing a gorgeous perfume of red, blue, and black fruits as well as ground pepper, smoked earth, and violets. As with the other releases, it's full-bodied and seamless on the palate, with impressive tannins. Give it just a few years of bottle age. - Jeb Dunnuck