CDP Barbe-Rac, Maison M. Chapoutier 2020

One of the gems in the vintage is the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Barbe Rac, a 100% Grenache that was destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks. Darker berries, ground pepper, graphite, and savory garrigue are just some of its nuances, and this beauty is full-bodied, has a layered, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and an awesome finish. It's a brilliant bottle of wine that readers will love. It deserves 3-4 years of bottle age and will shine over the following two decades. Bravo.

I loved the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Barbe Rac, a 100% Grenache that was all destemmed and will spend 18 months in concrete tanks. Loads of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, peppery herbs, and spicy notes define the nose, and it brings plenty of Grenache richness and depth, with medium to full body, ripe tannins, and the pure, focused style of the vintage.