CDP Croix de Bois, Maison M. Chapoutier 2018

The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Croix De Bois showed beautifully, with the upfront, perfumed style of the vintage. Revealing a ruby/purple color as well as a smorgasbord-like array of kirsch liqueur, Bing cherry, candied violets, and assorted Provençal spices, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a polished, elegant, almost Burgundian texture, ripe tannins, and a beautiful finish. It’s beautifully done and up with the top wines in the vintage.

Spice box, incense, blueberries, graphite, and ground pepper all emerge from the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Croix De Bois, which is incredibly complex and aromatically nuanced. Showing a more forward fruit style and opulence on the palate, with polished tannins, it doesn't have the density of the 2017 but is beautifully balanced, has fabulous purity, and delivers a great, great finish.