Featuring Burgundy, Classic Napa, and the Languedoc
Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2011 Languedoc Origine checks in as a blend of Syrah and Grenache that spent 18 months in foudre. Slightly fresher, with bright berry and purple fruits, licorice, roasted herbs and ample background meatiness, this beauty hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, impressive purity of fruit and loads of texture. It should impress over the coming 5-7 years or so, and certainly, there’s no harm in drinking now.” JD
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Wine Advocate 93 points “The terrific 2013 Pézenas l’Origine shows the hallmark spice-laced perfume of this appellation. Lots of red fruits, crushed flowers, spice and violet nuances give way to a medium-bodied, elegant and sweetly fruited 2013 that has fine tannin and a seamless, sexy texture. Drink this beauty anytime over the coming 5-6 years.”
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Remoissenet Pere & Fils Chapelle-Chambertin Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits 2011 750ML ($279.95) Was $199, Now $169 special
Antonio Galloni 93+ points “The 2011 Chapelle-Chambertin is not lacking in personality, that much is obvious. A savory, almost wild Burgundy, the 2011 Chapelle is laced with dried herbs, tobacco, black cherries and cured meats are some of the notes that blossom in the glass. It will be interesting to see where the 2011 goes; will it always remain a bit gamy, or will it find a bit more finesse in bottle?” AG
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Antonio Galloni 94 points “The 2011 Ruchottes-Chambertin presents a classical expression of lifted, fragrant fruit to match its weightless personality. Today, the 2011 is incredibly expressive, with impeccable balance and a total sense of harmony that is hugely appealing.” AG
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Wine Enthusiast 91 points “Chocolate-covered raspberry forms the luscious core of this fairly priced wine that’s medium-bodied, moderately naked in its oak use and soft in its approachability. Rich, dense and luxurious, it will pair well with any grilled meats.”
Wine Spectator 89 points “Silky and soft, offering accents of toasty mocha, fresh thyme and spice. Drink now through 2025.”
Winery notes: “A blend born from our two favorite things, food and wine! Seriously fun to drink, this is quite possibly the most intriguing wine to make here at Markham, as the blend is about creating ultimate drinking pleasure. Our 2014 starts with toffee, coffee and milk chocolate punctuated with black pepper and tobacco. Ripe berry flavors reminisce of summer afternoons spent picking wild fruit in hopes of delicious treats to come. Rich and lush, the tannins hold power but turn velvety with a bit of black pepper on the finish.”
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New Arrivals
New Arrivals: Oregon
Just Re-Arrived!
VinopolNote: This entry level Chardonnay from Cameron represents some of the best value in Oregon wine. Made with barrels declassified from Abbey Ridge and Clos Electrique, this wine sees a little bit of new wood (after being “seasoned” on the inexpensive wine, the barrels are moved on to the single vineyard wines). Richer and more immediate than the Abbey or the Clos, this is a wine that’s showy now but will age into something more elegant.
Vincent Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2015 750ML ($24.95) $19 special
Just Re-Arrived!
Josh Raynolds 90 points “Vivid red. Pungent aromas of red currant, dried cherry, rose and succulent herbs, along with a hint of smoky minerals in the background. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering bitter cherry, red berry and licorice flavors that become sweeter with air. A subtle peppery nuance adds spiciness to the gently tannic finish, which hangs on with good tenacity and lingering sweetness.”
The next best price is $22.99
Josh Raynolds 89 points “Brilliant red. Ripe red berries, vanilla and a hint of smokiness on the nose and in the mouth. Supple and nicely concentrated, showing good energy and a touch of cola on the back half. Soft, round and gently sweet on the finish, which is shaped by supple tannins.”
Winery note “As with our single vineyard designated wines, the Willamette Valley Pinot Noir is raised for 22 months in barrel without racking or inoculations. Tasting notes: Salt, sage, blood orange, cherries, pomelo, dry spices, and hibiscus. The background aromas are all umami; soy, and mushroom. On the palate, loads of resinous red fruits, and spice with savory notes bringing up the rear. It’s bright and sinewy, with plenty of mid palate density and chew. Lingering notes aren’t sweet; they are rather savory and loaded with earth and minerality. This bottling shows the weight of the vintage while maintaining a beautiful poise.”
Twill Cellars Syrah, Oregon 2014 750ML ($27.95) $24 special
Winery Note “This is a blend of our 2014 syrah that best reflects the vintage. It is comprised of three vineyards, two from the Applegate Valley, including Steelhead Run, and one from the Umpqua Valley. Tasting notes: Initial primary aromas of olives, raspberries, rose petal, quinine, grapefruit, and coffee. With air, veiled black pepper, blackberry, plum, chocolate, and menthol. As the wine warms up from cellar temperature (55f) and with more air, notes of white pepper, cranberry, oolong, and lavender are noted. On the palate, the wine is full and rich, but seemingly mid-weight with brightness at its core. The tannins present like dark chocolate and cocoa nibs at this point, with flavors of coffee, cherry, olive, oolong and lavender carrying the wine through a structured finish. This wine will develop further complexity in a cool cellar, or can be enjoyed with some air over a few days time in its youth.”
$69 specialAntonio Galloni 92 points “The 2012 Brut Spécial Club Millésimé 1er Cru is a powerful, authoritative wine. Lemon peel, white flowers and orchard fruit are some of the many nuances that blossom in a rich, resonant Champagne loaded with class and personality. Creamy and ample, with terrific depth and plenty of volume, the 2012 will drink well for a number of years. The 2012 finishes just a touch dry, but there is a good deal of substance as well. Disgorged: April 2017. Dosage is 6.5 grams per liter.”
Burghound 92 points “This is still quite young as there is no trace of maturity to the super-fresh, yeasty, citrusy and green apple-suffused nose. There is excellent intensity to the delicious and reasonably complex flavors where the supporting and very firm mousse possesses a fine bead on the clean, dry and somewhat linear and lean finish. This is not particularly complex at present but this is clearly not at its peak and I would suggest buying this only if you intend to allow it at least another 3 to 7 years of bottle age. 92/2024+.”
Rene Geoffroy Empreinte Premier Cru Brut, Champagne 2009 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Antonio Galloni 92 points “The 2009 Brut Cuvée Empreinte emerges from a parcel of 30 year-old vines in Cumières. Vinification and aging in oak gives the wine its sensual contours. Smoke, almond, dried pear and hazelnut lead into an expressive, layered finish. The radiance of the vintage works to flesh out some of the natural austerity of Cumières, while the wine’s balance is absolutely impeccable. Oak influences are felt, but add to the wine’s breadth rather than marking the wine excessively. Dosage is 6 grams per liter. Disgorged: December 2015.”
Wine Advocate 92 points “Disgorged in October 2015 with six grams of dosage, the 2009 Empreinte Brut Premier Cru is an assemblage of 70% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay and 5% Meunier vinified in oak (barrels and foudres). It opens with a clear, intense and complex nose of white fruits along with some hints of hazelnuts, nougat and oak. Full-bodied, this is a mouth-filling Champagne with a creamy and very elegant texture, as well as very good structure. Still young and firm, this is a promising Champagne for the next 5-10 years.”
Wine Spectator 92 points “Flavors of white cherry, pastry and mandarin orange peel are layered with a subtle steak of smoke and spice in this bright and mouthwatering Champagne. Long and creamy. Disgorged September 2016. Drink now through 2027. 120 cases imported.”
The next best price is $56.25
The average price is $60
Wine Advocate 95 points “A much smaller production cuvée, the 2015 Condrieu Clos Boucher (aged 80% in barrel and 20% in stainless steel) is a sensational Condrieu that offers textbook, yet pedal to the metal notes of white peach, tangerine, citrus blossom and hints of minerality. Impeccably balanced, fresh and lively, it should be given six months in bottle and enjoyed over the following 4-5 years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 95 points “I reviewed the 2015 Condrieu Clos Boucher last year but was able to taste it again this go around. White peach, citrus, tangerine, and loads of crushed rock nuances all emerge from this ripe, voluptuous, textured Condrieu that’s drinking beautifully today. The 2015 was complicated for Condrieu given the heat, but this wine handles it beautifully and is fresh and lively. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years.”
Jeb Dunnuck 96 points “The 2016 Hermitage Domaine Des Tourettes Blanc is a total blockbuster and almost matches what was achieved in 2015! Coming from the bottom part of the Les Bessards lieu-dit and from the Les Grandes Vignes lieu-dit at the highest point on the hill, it’s 100% Marsanne brought up all in 30% new barrel. Killer notes of apple blossom, buttered citrus, and orange blossom all soar from the glass of this rich, powerful Hermitage Blanc that has a red wine-like structure, a huge mid-palate, and a great finish. It shows the fresher style preferred by this estate, has terrific purity, and will keep for 2+ decades.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “The blend of Delas’ white Hermitage is 90% Marsanne and 10% Roussanne, barrel fermented and aged in approximately one-third new oak. The 2016 Hermitage Domaine des Tourettes Blanc features subtle notes of pencil shavings, ripe, tropical fruit and tremendous presence on the palate. That feeling (it’s not exactly weight per se) extends through the long, slightly honeyed and cedary finish. While attractive now, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this wine still going strong in 2026 and beyond.”
Wine Advocate 93 points “Inky and concentrated, the 2015 Saint-Joseph Francois de Tournon is no easy-drinking Saint-Joseph. It’s smoky, herbal and ashy all at once, yet it’s buoyed by ample black cherry fruit and vibrant acidity. This medium to full-bodied Syrah has plenty of tannins, but they’re ultimately silky and most apparent on the long, licorice-tinged finish. This is approachable now but should be even better in 3 years and should drink well for at least another 10 after that.”
Jeb Dunnuck 93 points “Both Saint Joseph releases are brilliant in 2015. The 2015 Saint Joseph François De Tournon comes vines around Tournon, Mauves, Saint-Jean-de-Muzols, and Vion, and is always destemmed and aged in 30% new barrels. This full-bodied, rounded, sexy beauty shows the power and fruit of the vintage. With classic notes of black and blue fruits, violets, incense and pepper, drink this textured, expansive, terrific Saint Joseph over the coming 10-15 years.”
Just Re-Arrived! You’ve bought out the first two rounds, so here’s some more of this 
classic from one of the greats.
Vignobles Bernard Levet Cote Rotie La Chavaroche, Rhone 2014 750ML ($69.95) $59 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 94 points “Bright purple. A deeply perfumed, complex bouquet evokes ripe cherry and blueberry, along with complicating notes of candied flowers, incense, bacon fat and smoky Indian spices. Sappy and expressive, offering palate-staining, smoke-tinged black and blue fruit liqueur and floral pastille flavors underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Shows superb clarity and lift on the youthfully tannic, floral-accented finish, which lingers with outstanding tenacity.”
International Wine Report 93 points “The 2012 Canalicchio is a beautifully crafted, refined Brunello which spent more than 24 months in medium-large Slavonia oak casks. It slowly opens with aromas of dried cherries ans plums woven together with walnuts, tobacco, leather, dried spices and hints of balsamic. Medium-bodied and firm, with a fine grained tannins and lovely balance leading to the ultra-long, chewy finish. Today this is still a bit austere and will require a few years of additional bottle age before it becomes fully accessible. (Best 2020-2029) – February, 2017 (JD).”
Monica Larner-Wine Advocate 92 points “The 2012 Brunello di Montalcino shows excellent continuity with past vintages and underlines a house style that is specific to this estate. This is a nuanced and delicate expression of Sangiovese that delivers grace and power. It walks a fine line between these two opposites. The bouquet is redolent of wild berry, red currant, grilled herb, wild mushroom and underbrush. I gave the 2011 vintage the same score, although the differences between the two wines are pronounced. The 2011 vintage shows the warm climate with more directness, whereas this edition offers more subtle depth and finesse. Both wines are most appropriate for near or medium-term drinking.”
Ian D’agata-Vinous 92 points “Lively bright red. Primary aromas of raspberry, cherry cola and crushed rocks. At once sweet and austere, with juicy, very pure, red berry flavours, this is rather light in weight with a gentle texture in the typical Franco Pacenti style. Finishes minerally and long with vibrant violet nuances. This ought to blossom nicely given a few years in the cellar.”
Terry Theise note: “The red sandstone parcel is called Im Mühlenberg and is considered a “GG” though Cornelius (sensibly) doesn’t wish to bottle all his dry wines as GG—the Kahlenberg could also have enjoyed the sobriquet. The site seems to make a stern wine; 2015’s big ripe fruit was kind to it. The ’16 is masculine and sinewy, and it’s noticeably dry. A small swizzle of mineral crawls into the finish, but I’m almost certain this will be far less austere after filtration and bottling.”
Weingut Donnhoff Niederhauser Hermannshohle Riesling Grosses Gewachs, Nahe 2016 750ML ($89.95) $79 special
Grapelive 96 points “The 2016 Donnhoff Hermanshohle GG starts with subtle white flowers, loads of flinty spicy mineral and stone leading to a brisk youthful palate of steely citrus, peach and green apple with a core of lime, white currant, a hint of gooseberry and citron that highlights the extract. While tight, focused and compact now, it looks set to be a classic. Lingering melon, faint mango, saline and wet stone adds to the complexity of detail in a wine of true potential. I hope I get a chance to re-visit this beauty in 10 years, in the meantime don’t miss Donnhoff’s the Krotenpfuhl Kabinett, a stellar value. This Hermannshohle GG should be in your cellar when released this fall, it has a rewarding future, I’d put it in the same league as Roulot Meursault and Raveneau Les Clos quality wise, drink from 2022-2035.
Terry Theise note “Cornelius describes this as a “grand dry wine with a Mona-Lisa smile,” but I usually find it less enigmatic, and in 2016 it is clearly, definitely and obviously fantastic. Intense yet filigree. Focused, and directed towards the conclusion of a complex argument, letting you follow the logic and the beauty of the thoughts, and then you perceive the grace of the language and you wish you could read it out loud to someone—to anyone. It’s not as electrifying as the ’15 was, it’s more deliberate. But that very sense of careful unfurling seems born of love.”
While he’s best known for his Condrieu and Cote Rotie, he also makes a stunning set of wines from St. Joseph and St. Peray, as well as Cornas and Crozes-Hermitage. Unlike a large negociant, he owns his vines, most of them old massale selections that his family assembled through the three generations since the domaine was founded.
These are wines that are decidedly classic representations of their appellation—they lean toward the modern in their polish and their lack of brett-induced funk, but never to the point of being manipulated. These are just pure, exciting examples of their various appellations. Cuilleron trained as an engineer before taking over the family domaine and it shows in the wines—they seem measured and precise in their fruit and their balance.
One other thing that makes Yves’ wines stand out is how excellent both the reds and the whites are. Often, especially for producers in the Rhone, we see a genuine talent on one side or the other but Cuilleron manages to make compelling wines in both colors. The whites, from both Marsanne and Viognier (depending on the appellation) are less oaked and showy than the wines from Guigal or Chapoutier, for example, and show extremely precise flavors that work brilliantly at the table. The reds, too, are excellent with food, but with rich textures and a brightness that’s unusual for wines of that sort of power.
We’re excited for the whole range of wines in from two fantastic vintages—2015 for red and 2016 for white. 2015 is about a perfect a red Northern Rhone vintage as you’d hope for, as you may have discovered (Yves believes it to the best red vintage he’s ever made, and his first year was 1987). 2016 is equally brilliant on the white side, with bright fruit and intense minerality.
Just Arrived:
White:
Cave Yves Cuilleron Condrieu Les Chaillets, Rhone 2016 750ML ($79.95) $69 special
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “This cuvée is sourced from the best exposed and the oldest Viognier vines of the domaine (south-southeast exposure, planted on terraces in the commune of Chavanay). Barrel-fermented and barrel-aged with regular batonnage during the nine-month elevage.”
Cave Yves Cuilleron Condrieu La Petite Cote, Rhone 2016 750ML ($59.95) $49 special
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “The vineyards of Viognier are planted on terraces with a south-southeast exposure in the commune of Chavanay. The wine is barrel-fermented and barrel-aged; the elevage is nine months with regular batonnage occurring.”
Cave Yves Cuilleron Saint-Joseph Lyseras Blanc, Rhone 2016 750ML ($37.95) $28 special
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “The vineyards for this wine are situated in the village of Chavanay with an east-southeast exposure. The soil is a mix of sand and granite. Both Marsanne and Roussanne are in this blend. The wine is barrel-fermented and barrel-aged; the elevage is nine months.”
Cave Yves Cuilleron Crozes-Hermitage Laya, Rhone 2015 750ML ($37.95) $28 special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90-92 points “Vivid ruby. Intensely perfumed, spice-accented dark berry and cherry aromas, along with a subtle floral quality. Silky and open-knit, offering expansive black raspberry and candied cherry flavors complemented by notes of cracked pepper, violet and allspice. This is quite elegant for the vintage. Finishes sweet and long, with smooth tannins adding shape.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 90-92 points “(raised in used barriques for 18 months) Deep ruby. Smoke- and spice-tinged blackberry and dried cherry aromas are enlivened by a suave floral topnote. Nicely concentrated cassis, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors are complemented by a touch of succulent herbs and a building floral pastille note. Finishes chewy and long, with dusty tannins coming in late to add shape and grip.”
Cave Yves Cuilleron Roussilliere, Rhone NV 500ML ($29.95) $24 special
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “From granite-infused soils in the village of Chavanay, Cuilleron harvests a mix of Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne in “surmaturité”, often graced by botrytis. The alcoholic fermentation is long and extends into winter and occurs in a mix of cuve and small barrel. The fermentation stops naturally by the cold of winter and the wine is bottled in the spring with an alcohol level at or near 11% with somewhere around 120 grams of residual sugar (each vintage will reflect slightly different parameters). Production is very limited … approximately 3600 bottles of 500ml size per year.”
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “The Viognier for this cuvée is from terraced vineyards in Chavanay with a full south exposure. This site is ideal for providing an extended growing season that permits the development of botrytis and “surmaturité”. The harvest is done with several passes through the vineyards from mid-October through mid –November. The wine is fermented in barrel and the elevage in barrel as well extends for eight months. In general, the “Ayguets” is bottled at about 14% alcohol with 100 or more grams of residual sugar. Only about 2,000 bottles (of 500ml size) are bottled per year.”
White:
Cave Yves Cuilleron Saint-Peray Lieu-Dit Biousse, Rhone 2016 750ML ($44.95) $36 pre-arrival special
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note ““Biousse” is on a hillside lieu-dit just south of the village itself where the soil is made up of Pliocene red clays and granite scree. The wine is 100% Marsanne, aged in a higher proportion of small barrels than “Potiers”; elevage is approximately nine months on the lees without racking , but with regular batonage before bottling.”
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “Sourced from several parcels that sit on a gentle slope with southwest exposure in the commune of Saint Péray. The wine is a blend of marsanne and roussanne and is barrel-fermented and barrel-aged for nine months. The wine rests on the lees and batonnage is practiced.”
Importer (Neal Rosenthal) Note “Located in the commune of Saint-Pierre de Boeuf “Digue” is a highly granitic lieu-dit with due-south exposition from which Cuilleron produces this impressive pure-Roussanne Saint-Joseph. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentations occur in barrel with natural yeasts, and are aged for roughly nine months before bottling.”
Cave Yves Cuilleron Cote Rotie Madiniere, Rhone 2015 750ML ($79.95) $69 
pre-arrival special
Cave Yves Cuilleron Cote Rotie Madiniere, 2015 1.5L ($169.95) $139 pre-arrival special
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92-94 points “(raised in new and used barriques for 18 months) Brilliant violet. Heady, assertively perfumed aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, incense, vanilla and woodsmoke acquire a suave floral topnote in the glass. Spice-laced blackberry, boysenberry and fruitcake flavors unfold slowly, picking up mineral and cola nuances on the back half. The sweet, supple, extremely long finish is framed by velvety tannins that sneak in late to add gentle grip.”
This is the only listing for a magnum in the USA today!
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 91-93 points “(aged in new and used barriques for 18 months) Dark ruby. Sexy dark berry, violet pastille and incense aromas are sharpened by black pepper and mineral notes. Displays very good focus and intensity on the palate, offering sweet boysenberry, violet pastille and allspice flavors that show no rough edges. Supple tannins build slowly through a very long, floral-accented finish, where the floral note echoes emphatically.”
Josh Raynolds – Vinous 92-94 points “(raised in new and used barriques for 18 months) Dark purple. Smoke- and pepper-accented black and blue fruit aromas pick up suggestions of candied licorice, violet and star anise with aeration. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering intense, mineral-laced cassis, bitter cherry and floral pastille flavors that smoothly combine richness and vivacity. Shows excellent clarity and floral lift on the finish, which features building tannins and an emphatic echo of smoky minerals and peppery spices.”
But There’s More Caprili Arriving Soon
Stylistically, these are powerful wines, with rich full textures and intense aromatics. Fermentations here are long and in stainless, with grapes spending 25+ days on the skins before going into large format, old Slavonian oak barrels for a full three years before botting. We have the best price in the country on the soon-to-be-classic 2012 Caprili Brunello. The first tranche sold out, but we were able to secure a little more, arriving this coming week.
Arriving on Thursday:
Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($59.95) $33.50 pre-arrival special
Case-6 Caprili Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, Tuscany 2012 750ML ($319.95) $189 pre-arrival special (that’s only $31.50/bottle!)
Wine Spectator 94 points “Appealing aromas and flavors of cherry, almond, leather, iron and earth are the hallmarks of this muscular red. Remains fresh and persists on the aftertaste, with echoes of iron and tobacco. Best from 2021 through 2035. 3,500 cases made.”
Ian D’agata – Vinous 93 points “Bright deep red. Very perfumed, pure aromas of raspberry, red cherry, flint and violet. Juicy but dense, with vibrant acidity lifting the floral berry and cherry flavors on the long mineral finish, characterized by an especially silky mouthfeel. Knockout Brunello.”
Wine Enthusiast 93 points “Truffle, leather, mature black-skinned fruit and carob aromas emerge from this powerful red. The full-bodied palate delivers succulent wild cherry, black raspberry, licorice, pipe tobacco and grilled herb flavors with big, chewy tannins. Drink 2019–2027.”
A Quintet of Coveted Wines
At Some of the Best Prices in the Country
Arriving Friday, February 9th
Cameron Winery Reserve Chardonnay, Dundee Hills 2015 750ML ($39.95) $33 pre-arrival special
Antonio Galloni 95+ points “Massolino’s 2011 Barolo Riserva Vigna Rionda is a more than worthy follow up to the stellar 2010. Silky, perfumed and incredibly inviting, the 2011 will also give up its considerable charms much earlier. Sweet red cherry, rose petal, spice, hard candy and mint give the 2011 its inner sweetness. Above all else, the 2011 captures a compelling middle ground that balances the warmth of the year with a classic sense of structure. The 2011 is a racy, alluring Rionda that is going to be nearly impossible to resist, even young.”
James Suckling 96 points “A balanced and firm red with plum, light chocolate, walnut and spice character. Medium to full
body and silky tannins. I love the flavorful finish. Drink in 2021.”
James Suckling 95 points “Beautiful aromas of black cherry and apricot. Full body, exotic and intense. A wealth of fruit yet remains vibrant and firm. Extremely focused. Long finish. Great follow up to the 2012. Drink in 2021.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97-100 points “The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Paul-Vincent is going to be beauty! As is normal I was able to taste through numerous foudre of different blends, as well as a foudre of the final blend, all of the samples showed distinct, rich, even opulent profile, terrific purity and ripe backbones. The final cuvee shows the classic sweet core of fruit that’s the hallmark of this estate, as well as notable complexity in its peppery herbs, dried flowers, scorched earth and graphite aromas and flavors. This is a darker fruited cuvee than normal, and I suspect it’s going to rival the 2007 and 2010.”
Decanter 98 points “Yields are always low at Clos des Papes, but this was Vincent Avril’s biggest harvest since 2007, with yields of 25hl/ha. A tasting of various different blends highlighted the part played by each main variety, but the final blend shows a young wine that is already aromatically harmonious, bright and detailed. It’s fuller-bodied than an average vintage, deep yet fresh. It has a powerful tannic and acidic framework this year, but the wine is very well balanced and very long, with a sublime freshness. An effortlessly brilliant Clos des Papes. Drinking Window 2024 – 2040.”