2020 Maison Lavau Châteauneuf-du-Pape

50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre from sandy soils in the northern part of the region. The grapes are destemmed and put into temperture-controlled vats for about 30 days, with two initial stirring operations during fermentation, followed by two daily pumping-over operations. Half of the wine is stored in tanks, and the other half in 450-liter barrels that were previously used for 1 or 2 years, for a duration of 12 months. After that, it’s blended with the tank-aged wine.Full bodied, fleshy, bold, textured and complex, with tons of dark fruit- plum, black cherry, blackberry- alongside a bit of uplifting red fruit, floral notes of violet and lavender, andhints of cigar box, vanilla and chocolate.  Very ripe and concentrated but well structured, with plenty of tannin and acid. Decant to drink now.

92 points, James Suckling. "A rich, fleshy and textural Chateauneuf with stacks of damson plum and a hint of dried date character. The expansive palate features an impressive tannin structure and plenty of savory depth, the creamy, yet dry finish completing the very satisfying picture. A cuvee of 50% grenache, 40% syrah and 10% mourvedre from vineyards on sandy soil."