Domaine de Marcoux - Chateauneuf-du-Pape - 2020

This year’s blend is 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 7% Syrah and 3% Cinsault, drawn from 13 parcels of vines dotted across the appellation. This means Marcoux can produce a wine that truly reflects the Châteauneuf terroir as a whole.   As is customary, the wines were naturally fermented and raised in concrete vat (up to 90%) and large oak, without any new oak. The aging spanned 18 months and the wine was bottled unfiltered.   The notes below describe the wine rather well. Seamless, layered and textured, it’s a succulent release with explosive flavours of black raspberry, star anise and florals, grounded by well-integrated chalky tannins (from the limestone?) and a commanding mineral length. This is a beautiful and balanced expression from one of the appellation’s leading artisans.   “Attractive dark red; the bouquet carries understated style, is promising, centres on red fruits that are pleasingly pure, a deft touch of sweetness in them, and a murmur of herbs. It’s going to take to the skies well when older. The palate gathers an orderly concentration on the attack, retains its depth throughout, closes on a note of tar darkness, a steady depth of richness there. It’s a fine-boned, graceful Châteauneuf, with appeal from its clear, relaxed display of content. From 2024, decant it.” **** John Livingstone-Learmonth, Drinkrhone.com   “Not yet bottled, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape offers a rich, full-bodied, concentrated, yet beautifully balanced style as well as the classic freshness and purity of the vintage. It has textbook notes of red and black berry fruits, violets, peppery garrigue, and orange blossom, with silky tannins and nicely integrated acidity.” 91-93 points, Jeb Dunnuck, Jebdunnuck.com