Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf-du-Pape Chaupin 2020 / 750 ml.

I was blown away by the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Chaupin, a 100% Grenache release that comes almost exclusively from the Chaupin lieu-dit in the northern part of the appellation. It’s never as inky-hued or powerful as the Vieilles Vignes but always screams Grenache with its sexy, ripe, seamless, and remarkably elegant style. The 2020 offers a translucent ruby/purple hue as well as incredible aromatics of blackberries, black raspberries, peppery garrigue, herbes de Provence, and flowers, and it opens up nicely with time in the glass. Full-bodied and concentrated on the palate, it has silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. I finished my note with “a Grenache lover’s dream.” This is up with the finest vintages produced and will evolve for 15+ years. (Jeb Dunnuck)

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin is mostly Grenache sourced from the northern part of the appellation (a small part comes from La Crau), and it was 70% destemmed and brought up in foudre and tank. A deeply hued barrel sample, it offers lots of cassis and pure black raspberry fruits, medium to full body, incredible purity, great tannins, and a blockbuster finish. This is another regal, flawlessly put together Grenache from this talented team. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Ripe but very focused, with a streamlined feel to the mix of raspberry, red currant and bitter cherry fruit flavors. Reveals a racy apple wood note coursing underneath, while licorice, black tea and graphite fill in through the finish. Best from 2023 through 2038. 1,500 cases made, 504 cases imported. (James Molesworth)