Marcoux CdP Vieilles Vignes 2020 (750ML)

97-99 WA / 98 DE / 97 VM / 97 JD / 95 WS / 16 JR

Still in foudre working through the last few grams of sugar when I tasted it in July 2022, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes showcases bold black-cherry fruit that virtually knocked this taster's head backwards. It's full-bodied on the palate, building in intensity and complexity on the lengthy finish, where notes of raspberries, star anise and garrigue merge seamlessly into the wine's supple, velvety texture. - Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate

A towering effort, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes soars from the glass with pristine crème de cassis, raspberry jam, black plum, scorched earth, incense, mint, exotic spice and white pepper aromas. The precision of the individual perfumes has a laser-like quality rarely seen in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Full-bodied and framed by ever-so-velvety tannins, it reaches a spherical dimension in the mouth. The recent adoption of 3,000-liter Austrian oak barrels beautifully contributed to the shape of this wine, giving it terrific poise and tension. - Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous Media

One of the world’s greatest expressions of Grenache year-in and year-out, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is all varietal that was brought up in larger foudre. This cuvée comes from the Charbonnieres and Les Esqueirons lieux-dits, which are mostly more sandy soils. Its deeper purple color is followed by a concentrated, medium to full-bodied, powerful yet elegant Grenache offering ripe cherry and darker berry fruits, notes of ground pepper, garrigue, and licorice, ripe yet certainly present tannins, and a great finish. Reminding me slightly of the 2006, which is drinking brilliantly today, it’s going to offer incredible pleasure over its lengthy life. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following two decades.—Jeb Dunnuck

This has power and concentration to the graphite- and smoke-edged black fig and currant flavors, with a steely mineral undercurrent and charred aniseed. In spite of the decadent fruit profile, this has a nice framework and lovely salinity driving freshness and impressive length. A blockbuster red with staying power. Best from 2024 through 2035. 490 cases made, 120 cases imported. - Kristen Bieler

Châteauneuf with a bit of a wild edge. Dark-berry fruit, floral, a touch of bitterness (in a good way). Crunchy tannins, nice oak, spice. Plenty of weight but also great freshness and a bite of acidity. Individual but also very authentic. Bit more of a natural-wine style. - Jancis Robinson