CDP Senechaux, Domaine des Sénéchaux 2020

I loved the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape, and this is a wine I’d be thrilled to own. Sporting a ruby/plum color as well as a terrific notes of sweet red fruits, herbes de Provence, sweet spice, and garrigue, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a light, elegant mouthfeel, soft tannins, and a great finish. It’s not massive or powerful, but it’s beautifully balanced, elegant, and nuanced. Drink this terrific 2020 any time over the coming 10-12 years. The blend is 54% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre, and it was partially destemmed and brought up in a mix of foudre, older barrels, and concrete. (Drink between 2022-2034)

Here’s a powerful and very distinctive Chateauneuf with tons of black olive and black pepper character, plus notes of sage and baking spices. The generous fine tannins are already beautifully integrated, and the structure is underplayed but deftly supports the full body. Very fresh stony finish. A cuvee of 54% grenache, 25% syrah and 21% mourvedre. Drink or hold.