Domaine de Cristia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2018 | 750 ml.

RP92+ Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate 30th Aug 2019

"I failed to discern a qualitative difference between the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (pure Grenache) and the 2018 Renaissance (which includes 40% Mourvèdre). This wine features bold cherry flavors, hints of cedar and vanilla from new oak and is full-bodied and velvety on the palate, with a long finish. No doubt further differences will emerge by next year, but for now, between these two wines, let’s call it a push." (92–94 pts.)

SP94 Wine Spectator Web only – 2021

"Cherry and plum paste flavors are fresh in feel, with anise and violet and lavender details adding range. Nicely buried acidity gives the finish a subtle juicy edge, while the fruit plays out against a light sandalwood note. Drink now through 2035. 400 cases made, 75 cases imported." (94 pts.)

JD96 Jeb Dunnuck October 6, 2020

"Taking things up a notch, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a much bigger, richer wine. It’s similarly colored, with a medium ruby/purple hue as well as a killer nose of kirsch liqueur, lavender, herbes de Provence, Asian spices, and a touch of cured meats. This full-bodied, opulent wine hits the palate with no hard edges, sweet tannins, and one hell of a great finish. It’s already hard to resist, has the vintage’s forward, upfront feel, yet will nevertheless have 10–15 years of longevity. (Jeb Dunnuck)" (96 pts.)

VN94 Vinous Oct 2021

"Glistening ruby-red. Expansive, spice-tinged Chambord, cherry liqueur, incense and lavender aromas show sharp definition and pick up a lively mineral nuance with air. Sweet and seamless in texture, offering concentrated red fruit, five-spice powder and floral pastille flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of juicy acidity. Deftly blends richness and energy and finishes extremely long and smooth, with insistent florality and pliant tannins adding gentle grip." (94 pts.)