Cuvée Impériale 2021

The stunning 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Imperiale comes from old vines in two sandy parcels—one in Pied Long and one in la Crau. Exotic aromas of orange zest, Campari-like spice and exquisitely ripe cherries appear on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is silky and creamy in texture yet airy and vibrant, with a long, zesty finish. It's a definite candidate for wine of the vintage, alongside its Mourvèdre-based stablemate, La Part des Anges.

Very deep, smoky and meaty with an exotic twist in the nose. Then comes a stunning combination of freshness and concentration on the impeccably balanced and precise palate, where the tannins build and build at the long, structured finish. 90% grenache from vines on sandy soil with northerly exposure, planted in 1901 & 1902, with 10% of other traditional grape varieties for the appellation. Matured 100% in concrete tanks. Bottled unfiltered. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

Lastly, the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Imperiale is all old vine Grenache. It sports a semi-opaque ruby color as well as sumptuous notes of black cherries, strawberries, candied violets, and Provençal herbs. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's balanced and has a ripe, layered mouthfeel, plenty of ripe tannins, and a great finish.