CDP Clos du Caillou Réserve, Le Clos du Caillou 2020

A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre from sandy parcels in Guigasse and Pignan, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve is a stupendous wine, even if it didn't quite reach the triple-digit heights I hoped it would when tasted out of barrel. Complex notes of crushed stone, pressed flowers, intricate herbal shadings and mixed berries mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is unimaginably silky and near-endless on the finish.

Quite pale in colour. This is an open, ethereal, floral style, with lifted notes of violets and peonies. Like a ballerina, this is light on its feet, refined and elegant. With flavours of strawberry and raspberry, this is an absolutely delightful, captivating style of Châteauneuf with fine tannins. I would drink this now, it's open and has plenty to offer, though it will doubtless age well too, becoming Pinot-like with time. Such great balance, and so drinkable. Grown on sand in La Guigasse and Pignan (sud), all destemmed, aged in demi-muids and amphorae. (Drink between 2024-2040)