2019 Domaine de la Vieille Julienne, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Reserve

From old vines planted as early as 1904, the 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve is one of the wines of the vintage. Coming in at 16% alcohol, it consists of 90% Grenache with the rest split between Syrah and Counoise. It soars from the glass with mesmerizing aromas of blackberry, blueberry, crème de cassis, wild strawberry, white pepper, forest floor as well as abundant herbs and spices such as bay leaves, thyme, lavender and cardamom. Expanding vertically in the mouth, it is full-bodied, layered and framed by ever-so-velvety tannins. The long-lasting finish is exceptional - new flavors develop long after the wine has left the palate. Only 2,900 bottles produced.

Cask sample, tasted at the domaine. Very sweet fragrant fruit, mocha and violet-tinged with leather and crushed blackcurrant also with red fruits underneath and a mineral graphite note on the nose. Sweet fruit on the palate, really ripe and succulent tannins. Wonderful depth with an unctuous mouthfeel – excellent freshness and a long finish. (AC)