Famille Brechet Château de Vaudieu Val de Dieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020 750ml

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Val De Dieu checks in as a mix of 60% Syrah, 32% Grenache, and 8% Mourvedre that sees a touch of new oak. It’s always the most modern styled release from this estate yet still brings fabulous Provençal character, offering lots of blackberry and assorted darker fruits to go with ground pepper, sandalwood, and violets on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate, it has a terrific sense of freshness, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, and ripe tannins. It’s already hard to resist yet should cruise for 15+ years if well stored.

This is layered with raspberry, plum and black cherry compote notes that stretch out slowly, unfurling to show dark licorice, warmed anise and singed sandalwood notes buried within the fruit. A nice singed wood smoke accent curls around the dense finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2036. 1,300 cases made, 100 cases imported. (James Molesworth)

At a blind-tasting you could easily mistake this for a Crozes-Hermitage due to the bright blue fruit aromas and the straight self-confidently dry tannins. Nice length and harmony at the finish. A cuvee of 60% syrah, 32% grenache and 8% mourvedre. Drink or hold. (Stuart Pigott)