A very dark, structured and full-bodied Chateauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of leather, tar, raw meat and a hint of wild forest berries. Still very youthful and a bit closed, but the abundant fine-grained tannins give this terrific aging potential. A cuvee of 80% grenache, 6% syrah, 4% mourvedre and 10% other traditional grape varieties. Matured for two years in large, neutral oak. (SP)

Showing a solid step up over last year, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Reservée is a ripe, sexy, incredibly complex Pégau that's just about overflowing with red and black fruits, herbes de Provence, pepper, and leather-like aromatics. Reminding me slightly of a more elegant, less concentrated example of the 2009, it has full-bodied richness, a broad, layered mouthfeel, and a great finish. It's already hard to resist yet should evolve nicely for 15-20 years if well stored.

The 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée showcases ripe red and black fruits amid spice box, crushed violet and licorice aromatics. Concentrated and layered, the grippy tannins demand at least five more years to integrate into the wine. That said, I don’t think it will be able to match the more complete 2020, but the ultimate test awaits after bottling. Readers should note that there will be no Cuvée Da Capo in 2022, mainly due to crop-reducing hail damage.(NG)