2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Clos des Papes, Paul Avril & Fils, Rhône

Tank sample. Such purity and clarity of fruit, with a tar and medicinal complexity plus a lightly spiced finish. It shows the typical Clos des Papes delicacy and tone: reverberant but not shrill. There's lots of bass, in fact. Perhaps not the longest-lived, from the soft structure?

Drink 2022 - 2032

The 35% Mourvèdre is quite present on the nose, which shows deep black cherry kirsch aromas, sweet strawberry and a potpourri, floral lift. This is a soft, succulent, juicy style, with bright and concentrated strawberry fruit, and although the alcohol is a little raised, there's a lovely freshness to the wine. More Mourvèdre than usual due to the rampant mildew that the southern Rhône suffered in 2018, which attacked the Grenache more severely than the Syrah and Mourvèdre.

Drink 2020 - 2039

Bright violet. Expressive, smoke-accented cherry, Chambord, licorice, succulent herb and exotic spice qualities on the nose. Weighty and broad on the palate, offering intense red fruit, floral pastille, allspice, cola and botanical herb flavors that turn sweeter as the wine opens up. The floral note gains strength with air and drives the impressively long, penetrating finish, which features polished tannins and resonating cherry and floral notes.

Drink 2025 - 2035

Bursting with striking red-fruit aromas and delicate cinnamon, clove and star anise notes, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is another terrific vintage from this estate. While certainly full-bodied and powerful, it's also lithe and silky, with an almost airy feel on the palate that translates into great elegance on the lengthy finish.

Drink 2020 - 2030