Chaupin Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend

Man do I hate CDP. So hot. So unfocused.

Soft on day 2.

I’m between a 92-93 here. This was by no means shut down but it was surprisingly tannic and a bit clenched. Poured next to a 2016 Fisher Syrah, this was significantly less pepper driven yet substantially more nimble and vibrant. 100% Grenache and 40% whole cluster (which is definitely evident). Plenty of ripe red fruit up front on the nose with underripe and crunchy black fruits, potpourri, garrigue, and herbal stemminess. Nervy acidity on the palate and while a touch thin on the mid palate, the finish here is quite beefed up with violet, cranberry and black currant wrapped tannins. It’s almost juicy, yet an herbal flair keeps it balanced. Enjoyed at pop and pour, I’d decant at least an hour if opening now.

Warm vintage. Succulent, fwd fruit, high alcohol. Quite a bit of weight. A masculin chaupin. I would drink it now and enjoy the warmth of the wine, the garigue tones and the massive roundness. I think I found the wine I will serve for our next x-mas party.

2015 warm vintage, juicy blackberries and ripe black cherries, Grenache at its juiciest. Word to big bird.

Outstanding. Still young. With stuffed eggplant Ottolenghi style.

Killer CdP

Outstanding.

From a magnum

Sultry and smooth. Cranberry preserves meet plum, cracked pepper, granite, and dried sage. Fresh fruit flavors carry into a spicy, peppery finish highlighted by dark forest fruit. Drink or hold.