M. Chapoutier : Croix de Bois 2020

A powerful, full-throttled red, with a polished beam of fruit underscored by stealthy mineral concentration. Boasts black currant, fig and warm chestnut notes that are tightly wound around a ballast of iron. Reveals hints of menthol, baking spices and grilled herbs that echo through the superlong, weighty finish. Solid and savory, with a long life ahead in the cellar. Best from 2025 through 2040. 742 cases made, 30 cases imported.

With an enjoyably fresh style, this is about the acidity, impact, zest and juiciness. The alcohol is quite present, on the high side, but it has liveliness, energy and fine tannins. It's harmonious, fresh and well balanced. I would drink this fairly young, but it could surprise with long ageing potential. Pure Grenache.

An elegant and crafty Chateauneuf-du-Pape made entirely from grenache. It delivers notes of red cherries, dark cherries, flowers and sweet spices. It’s medium-bodied with sinewy tannins and freshness all along. It’s crisp and bright despite the structure, with a crunchy edge and a focused, restrained finish with excellent length. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois packs a punch with 15.5% alcohol. The 2020 Croix de Bois bursts from the glass with well-defined aromas of raspberry and strawberry compote, very ripe red and black plum, licorice, garrigue and cardamom. It is a deep, full-bodied red with ample concentration, perfectly balanced by lively acidity, and concluding with a savory finish. It’s a step-up in terms of quality compared to Pie VI and La Bernardine from the same vintage.

Elegant, forward, vivacious, and floral, the wine immediately draws your attention to its wealth of spice, kirsch, black raspberry, pepper, and herbs. There is depth, concentration, and a long, supple, polished finish that closes with another layer of sweet, ripe kirsch. Drink from 2024–2038.

Strong ruby, purple reflections, discreet brightening on the rim. Fine savoury underlay of black forest berries, ripe cherries, tobacco, a pleasant herbal note. Deep, opulent, fine fruit expression paired with pleasant acidity, supporting, well-integrated tannins, complex. Ripe plums on the finish, shows length, depth and savouriness, constructed for decades, has class.

More framboise, strawberries, dried herbs, and savory, loamy earth-like notes emerge from the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Croix De Bois, another 100% Grenache release from Chapoutier that's brought up all in concrete tanks. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and balanced, it epitomizes the charming, rounded, already accessible style of the vintage perfectly. Give it just a few years and enjoy over the following 15+.

The most refined of Châteauneufs, both in its tannins and in its aromas of ripe fruit, dried plum, and fig; it is indulgent and polished, with distinguished length and a velvety touch.