Lastly, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Homage A Jacque Perrin was tasted out of foudre and is clearly another brilliant vintage here. I always find this cuvée, which is almost all Mourvedre, to offer more blue fruit characteristics in its youth, and the 2020 is no exception, offering tons of blueberry, cassis, and black raspberry as well as notes of smoked meat, tobacco, graphite, and peppery herbs. With remarkable purity, full-bodied richness, building yet incredible tannins, and the same straight, focused, powerful mouthfeel of the classic cuvée, it's not going to show its full potential until a solid decade after the vintage and it will be a 30-year wine.

Tasted from foudre, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin is approximately 60% Mourvèdre (from the same parcel, year after year), with the balance a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. Ripe plums and truffle-like notes mark the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and rich, with a long, velvety finish. Showing even more complexity and length than the regular bottling, there's a chance this could reach a triple-digit score down the road. Always one of the highlights of my visits in Chateaneuf du Pape, the cellars at Beaucastel were a bit dusty when I arrived, as the long-awaited expansion had just gotten underway. Built using the latest practices in sustainability and conservation, it's expected to be completed in 2024. The 2021 Syrah had just been picked, and the expectation was that the Grenache would be harvested beginning the following day. Something worth noting, although the family doesn't actively promote it, is that Beaucastel's farming has been certified organic since 1966, and the vineyards have been farmed along biodynamic principles since 1974 (although not certified as such). (JC)

Gorgeous florality on the nose, fresh rose petals and sweet red fruits, so beguiling and tempting. Beautiful fragranced fruit on the palate, the roses really continue all the way, edging the fruit and giving the palate such scent. Tannins are smooth and well integrated and this has a gorgeous texture, full and generous but silky smooth and so delectable. Excellent acidity gives freshness and energy and underpins the flavours giving a lovely hit of spiced liquorice, caramelised nuts and cola cubes. Feels really well worked, intense and concentrated but excellent definition and focus. A stylish and seductive wine. Hold onto for a few years. 5% Counoise completes the blend. (AH)