High-toned red fruit aromas immediately take center stage, while rosehip, violets, mint leaves, brown button mushroom, coriander, earth and clove add depth. The palate is a bit austere, yet offers fine tannins that seem to be integrating well. Greater layers of complexities should unfold after cellaring well through 2035+.

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is mostly Grenache (there's 10% each Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cinsault) and offers a semi-opaque ruby/purple hue to go with solid notes of kirsch, black cherries, licorice, and roasted garrigue. This round, medium to full-bodied, ripe, straight-up sexy Grenache has ripe yet present tannins, good overall balance, and a great finish. It's another impressive Châteauneuf du Pape in the vintage that has real character. It will keep for 10-12 years with no issues. It's the finest release of this cuvée I've tasted.

Composed of 70% Grenache and 10% each Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah, La Boutiniere's 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape is sourced from several different soil types. The result includes copious cherries, some peppery spice and a hint of clove. It's full-bodied, smooth and supple, almost creamy in feel, with a long, mellow finish and softly dusty tannins. It should drink well for at least a decade.