2020 Domaine de la Janasse, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Chaupin

Shimmering pale-ruby. The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chaupin checks in at 15.5% alcohol. It mixes fragrant aromas of raspberry jam, cooked strawberry, licorice, dried thyme, cured meat and bay leaves. Full-bodied, broad-shouldered and polished, the 2020 Chaupin is wrapped in plush tannins, concluding with a distinctively savory finish lasting well over a minute. In this vintage, the Chaupin outperforms the Vieilles Vignes.

All Grenache, with about 20% to 30% whole bunches, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin is slightly herbal and stemmy on the nose, but those elements are balanced by wonderful black cherry and blackberry fruit. Full-bodied, concentrated yet silky, with a long, briny finish, this is another strong 2020 from the Sabon family.

100% Grenache. Precise, firm, focused Châteauneuf. Bright, dark-cherry fruit. Fine-grained tannins and refined oak. A very classy combination of southern Rhône ripeness allied with brisk acidity and some intriguing floral, mineral notes to finish. (AWH)