Producer: Bosquet des Papes 
Region: Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France  
Blend: 85% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre
Year: 2020  

Jeb Dunnuck, 95 Points 

"The old vine cuvée from this great estate is the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes, which is mostly Grenache with 7% each of Syrah and Mourvedre. This cuvée comes from the Barbe d'Asne, Les Brusquieres, Mont Redon, and Pignan (the northern part) lieux-dits and is not destemmed and spends 15 months in 60% foudre, the rest in older demi-muids. It’s always the most classic release, and the 2020 offers a quintessential Châteauneuf du Pape nose of ripe red fruits (framboise, cherries) intermixed with dried garrigue, peppery, herbes de Provence, and loamy earth. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has lots of tannins, a layered, seamless mouthfeel, terrific balance, and one heck of a finish. It was even better on Day 2, which bodes well for its ageability. I would hide bottles for 3-5 years and enjoy over the following decade or more."

Alcohol: 15.5% 

*Price and availability in store may vary. Vintage date may differ from pictured.