E. Guigal : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019

A late-release Châteauneuf, with aromatic beauty. Shows lovely signs of evolution, with woodsy, dried leaf and earth notes. Dried currant and red fruit flavors are layered with singed garrigue and perfumed violet details. Sweet sandalwood and bay leaf chime in on the finish, in the grip of slightly drying tannins. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2028. 3,000 cases imported.

Spicy and meaty with a very solid tannic base, this is a serious Chateauneuf that has plenty of black-fruit appeal, but also the muscular structure for long aging. Firm and focused finish with lots of energy and drive for this vintage. Drink or hold.

The flamboyant 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape packs elevated flavor concentration yet neatly maintains balancing freshness. Swirling the glass unlocks ripe black cherry, melted licorice, raspberry jam and cedar traces. Wait at least one more year before pulling the cork of this bold Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Darker berries, raspberries, peppery garrigue, and licorice all emerge from Guigal's 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape, a medium- to full-bodied, round, concentrated 2019 that puts the vintage’s expressive, classic style front and center. I love it today, yet it has the balance as well as the structure to evolve for 10–15 years. It’s up with the finest vintages of this cuvée I’ve ever tasted.