Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2023

Deeply coloured and quite dark in character, with damson and liquorice notes. It’s generous, full-bodied, quite spicy and fairly potent, with lovely bright, sappy acidity and very fine, soft tannins. There are some similarities with 2022 and 2020, though it’s not as punchy as 2022 nor quite as energetic as 2020. This should be very good, and will drink before both of these recent vintages. All destemmed, aged in old foudres. The estate had a good yield this year, at 25hl/ha.

Impressive volume to this 2023, with so much texture and spices, yet it remains totally in control. Silky and fine-tuned, it showcases aromas of dark cherries, dark plums, exotic spices, dried flowers and some dried leaves. It's full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a seductive, silky texture. There’s precise polish here. The rich fruit and intense core of spice complement each other, providing a well-composed, harmonious palate. Long, succulent and flavorful finish. Drink or hold.