Paul Avril - Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Clos des Papes' - 2019

dark red; the nose is deep, closed, gives a note of blackberry jam, prune with steady density, has real inner depth, just a hint of mineral within. The palate summons prolonged forces of red fruits, mulberry, has a lot of intensity, digs in, holds a black fruit firmness from the Mourvèdre, smoky channels, notes of leather, licorice towards the finish. It’s an upstanding wine, very well structured. There’s a liaison with 1990, an upping of the latter’s internal depth. The finish is very thorough. It’s very complete, a classic for game and sauced dishes, is close to ******. “It’s a big Mourvèdre year, shows black fruits, blackberries; 2019 is more fine than 2016, has the same matter, power; it’s more classic Châteauneuf than 2020, but I wouldn’t want it every year,” V Avril. 5 Stars John Livingstone-Learmonth, Drink Rhone