Streaks of black fig and boysenberry preserves extend from nose to finish in this pure-fruited varietal Grenache sourced from 75- to 90-year-old vines. Fermented in whole clusters, it's ripe but scintillating in freshness, accented by crushed thyme, stone and salt. Soft, almost feathery in tannins, it's a voluptuous wine with finesse and grace. Irresistible young, the wine will likely improve well past 2035.

More kirsch liqueur, violets, white pepper, and garrigue notes emerge from the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul, a 100% Grenache cuvée that was partially destemmed and brought up all in demi-muids. As usual, this cuvée comes from older vines in the La Crau, la Guigasse, and les Serres lieux-dits, which are a mix of more pebbly and sandy soils. It ratchets up the intensity over the classic cuvée yet stays beautifully balanced with a weightless texture, a great mid-palate, and a blockbuster of a finish. It's not going to be the longest-lived vintage for this cuvée (which is common in 2018), but it's going to put a big smile on your face anytime over the coming 10-15 years.

Deep, glistening ruby-red. A highly complex bouquet evokes red/blue fruit preserves, incense and exotic spices, and floral and smoky mineral nuances emerge as the wine opens up. Stains the palate with finely etched, spice-laced raspberry, boysenberry and candied lavender flavors supported by a core of juicy acidity. Shows impressive depth as well as energy and finishes spicy and extremely long, leaving repeating floral and red fruit notes behind.

While the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul does show a touch of oak influence on the nose, it also shows more freshness and energy than the regular cuvée. All Grenache, all whole cluster and aged in used demi-muids, there are waves of ripe raspberries and black cherries, drizzled with dark chocolate and spice. Full-bodied and velvety, it's a big, plush, welcoming mouthful of super ripe Grenache that avoids going completely over the top. Published: Sep 24, 2020