2023 Domaine de la Janasse, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vieilles Vignes

Made mostly from Grenache (with 40% whole clusters) with 15% Mourvèdre and 3% Syrah, with the Grenache brought up demi-muid and foudre and the Syrah and Mourvèdre in barrels, the 2023 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes isn't far off the style of the Chaupin with its perfumed, sunny style, yet it brings a touch more density and masculine character. Rocking levels of black raspberries, blackberries, roasted garrigue, crushed stone, and graphite notes all define the aromatics, and it's a more structured, focused, inward wine on the palate. It certainly plays in the sunny, sexy style of the vintage, yet this brings a serious, structured style that will benefit from 2-4 years or more of bottle age.

With notes of cassis on the nose and palate, this is a very ripe, black-fruited, blackberry-tinged style of Châteauneuf with huge palate presence and impact. The acidity is a touch sharp, but it does help to balance the ripe fruit and potent alcohol. The finish is long, and this will be good in time, in a fairly soft and sun-warmed style.

More structured than the Chaupin bottling, the 2023 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes bursts from the glass with aromas of baked mulberries, dark cherries, rose petals and exotic spices, framed by subtle notes of garrigue. Medium- to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, it’s built around a serious chassis of ripe, powdery tannins and a fleshy, layered core of fruit. Despite its present depth and controlled power, the wine remains somewhat introverted in its youth, promising to unfurl beautifully with time. This is a brooding, age-worthy Vieilles Vignes that will richly reward cellaring.

Blending 82% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 3% Syrah and vinified with 30% whole clusters, the 2023 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes showcases prominent notes of spice box, ripe strawberry, melted licorice and a floral dash of violets. Anchored by sleek tannins, this full-throttle 2023 caps off with a long, savory finish. At this point, the Vieilles Vignes is at eye level with the equally promising 2023 Chaupin.

85% Grenache, 5% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 5% others. Aged for 12 months in foudre (70%) and demi-muid (30%). Cask sample. Tasted blind. Dark, brooding nose, with oak and spice. Plenty of concentration and an earthy note with very detailed tannins and a real finesse. Balanced if still very youthful, tight and compact – should blossom beautifully. (AC)