2020 Domaine Isabel Ferrando, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Colombis

The single varietal Grenache 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is a towering effort. Having the edge over the 2021 and coming in at 15.5% alcohol, it presents pristine aromas of ripe red fruits that have a jewel-like quality to them, dried lavender, cardamom, licorice, pencil shavings and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and layered, it is framed by ever-so-velvety tannins and balanced by high levels of fresh acidity. There is fantastic tension on the complex finish that goes on for well over a minute. 6,000 bottles produced.

Drawn from three plots of old-vine Grenache (70- to 80-year-old vines), the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis looks to be another fantastic example of this cuvée, bursting with cherries and raspberries and nuanced by delicate sprigs of garrigue and hints of roses and black tea. Medium to full-bodied and silken in texture on the palate, it finishes with tremendous length and subtly building tannins. It's one 2020 that could take a few years to come around.