Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

I was able to taste the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin on two occasions, rating it one point higher on one of those as well. Incredible notes of red and black fruits, violets, scorched earth, ground pepper, and Provençal garrigue notes define the nose, and it’s a darker, richer, slightly more powerful wine than usual, while still showing the inherent elegance and finesse this cuvée always shows. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15-20. Don’t miss it!

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

I was able to taste the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin on two occasions, rating it one point higher on one of those as well. Incredible notes of red and black fruits, violets, scorched earth, ground pepper, and Provençal garrigue notes define the nose, and it’s a darker, richer, slightly more powerful wine than usual, while still showing the inherent elegance and finesse this cuvée always shows. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15-20. Don’t miss it!

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

I was able to taste the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Chaupin on two occasions, rating it one point higher on one of those as well. Incredible notes of red and black fruits, violets, scorched earth, ground pepper, and Provençal garrigue notes define the nose, and it’s a darker, richer, slightly more powerful wine than usual, while still showing the inherent elegance and finesse this cuvée always shows. Give bottles 2-3 years and enjoy over the following 15-20. Don’t miss it!

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Lastly, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape XXL is pure magic and one of the most singular wines out there. Based on 65% Grenache and the rest Syrah and other varieties, it was only 30% destemmed and brought up all in demi-muids. Where previous vintages of this beauty were almost over the top, the 2019 shows a more elegant, pure, balanced profile as well as incredible aromatics of ripe red and black fruits, herbes de Provence, ground pepper, violets, and other notes of Southern Rhône-like goodness. Incredibly powerful and opulent, it somehow manages to stay perfectly balanced, has a wonderful sense of freshness, silky yet substantial tannins, and an awesome finish. Unfortunately, there are just over 300 cases produced, so it won't be easy to find, but this ranks with the all-time greats. It deserves 4-5 years of bottle age and should evolve for 30 years if well-stored.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Prestige Blanc is pure gold and a magical, perfect wine from this incredible family estate. Based largely on Roussanne with smaller amounts of Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it was brought up in used demi-muids. Honeyed pineapple, caramelized white peach, mango, honeysuckle, and exotic rose petal notes all emerge from this full-bodied white, which has bright acidity, incredible depth of fruit, and flawless balance. This extraordinary white needs plenty of air to show at its best (you could even open it the day before and keep it in the refrigerator overnight), and I suspect it will have two decades or more of overall longevity.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Prestige Blanc is pure gold and a magical, perfect wine from this incredible family estate. Based largely on Roussanne with smaller amounts of Grenache Blanc and Clairette, it was brought up in used demi-muids. Honeyed pineapple, caramelized white peach, mango, honeysuckle, and exotic rose petal notes all emerge from this full-bodied white, which has bright acidity, incredible depth of fruit, and flawless balance. This extraordinary white needs plenty of air to show at its best (you could even open it the day before and keep it in the refrigerator overnight), and I suspect it will have two decades or more of overall longevity.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Hauts-Lieux includes slightly more Mourvèdre and comes from a cooler parcel in the northern part of the appellation. It has another level of purity and precision compared to the Trois Sources and has extraordinary notes of blueberries, cassis, black licorice, violets, and crushed stone-like minerality. Incredibly concentrated, massive, and yet perfectly balanced, it has no hard edges and is just an incredible tasting experience. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 20-25 years.

Jeb Dunnuck (98+)

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Hauts-Lieux includes slightly more Mourvèdre and comes from a cooler parcel in the northern part of the appellation. It has another level of purity and precision compared to the Trois Sources and has extraordinary notes of blueberries, cassis, black licorice, violets, and crushed stone-like minerality. Incredibly concentrated, massive, and yet perfectly balanced, it has no hard edges and is just an incredible tasting experience. Hide bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 20-25 years.

Jeb Dunnuck (96+)

More cassis, morello cherry, Asian spice, and a beautiful sense of minerality and loamy earth emerge from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources, a full-bodied, concentrated blend of 60% Grenache, 15% each of Cinsault and Syrah, and the balance Mourvèdre. Coming all from the estate’s sandy soils in the northern part of the appellation, this incredibly concentrated, textured wine has perfect balance, building tannins, and a great finish. Give this beauty another 4-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the following two decades or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (96+)

More cassis, morello cherry, Asian spice, and a beautiful sense of minerality and loamy earth emerge from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Trois Sources, a full-bodied, concentrated blend of 60% Grenache, 15% each of Cinsault and Syrah, and the balance Mourvèdre. Coming all from the estate’s sandy soils in the northern part of the appellation, this incredibly concentrated, textured wine has perfect balance, building tannins, and a great finish. Give this beauty another 4-5 years in the cellar and drink it over the following two decades or more.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

Lastly, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve is another magical wine, and I might have rated this cuvée a perfect score more than any other Southern Rhône. Unquestionably in the same realm as the 2017, 2016, 2010, 2005, 2003, and 2001, it has an incredible, full-bodied, massive style that somehow stays perfectly balanced, with flawless integration of its fruit, tannins, acidity, and alcohol. Lots of red, blue, and black fruits, loamy earth, Asian spice, licorice, and violet nuances emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, building yet polished tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s a sexier, more opulent wine than the Les Hauts-Lieux release yet has the same perfect tannins that are so rare to find in the vintage. This required at least 4-5 years of bottle age and will drink brilliantly for 20-25+ years.

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

I was able to taste the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape multiple times, and it’s the finest vintage I’ve ever tasted from this estate, surpassing even the 2016. Lovers of classic, impeccably made Châteauneuf du Pape should back up the truck on this beauty. A wine of incredible richness and depth, as well as elegance, it has a gorgeous nose of peppery herbs, blackberries, garrigue, cured meats, and sandalwood. Full-bodied and concentrated, it builds incrementally on the palate and is perfectly balanced, with sensational purity, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. There’s nothing over the top or out of place, and traditionally made Châteauneuf du Pape doesn’t get much better. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will shine for well over two decades. Bravo!

Jeb Dunnuck (99)

I was able to taste the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape multiple times, and it’s the finest vintage I’ve ever tasted from this estate, surpassing even the 2016. Lovers of classic, impeccably made Châteauneuf du Pape should back up the truck on this beauty. A wine of incredible richness and depth, as well as elegance, it has a gorgeous nose of peppery herbs, blackberries, garrigue, cured meats, and sandalwood. Full-bodied and concentrated, it builds incrementally on the palate and is perfectly balanced, with sensational purity, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. There’s nothing over the top or out of place, and traditionally made Châteauneuf du Pape doesn’t get much better. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will shine for well over two decades. Bravo!

Le Vieux Murier Crozes-Hermitage Les Saviaux 2019 is a hallmark example of Rhône wine from one of the region's leading producers, drawing collectors and enthusiasts worldwide. Renowned for its opulence, it's meticulously crafted from 100% Syrah grapes, harvested from vineyards which grace the sun-drenched hills of Crozes-Hermitage. A splendid manifestation of fine French viticulture, it carries the quintessential elegance of Syrah in a beautifully balanced, yet richly expressive style.

The winemaking process for the Le Vieux Murier Crozes-Hermitage Les Saviaux 2019 is traditional, with precise ageing in French oak to elevate complexity. Tasting it reveals plum, pepper and floral aromas, unfolding into layers of red fruit on the palate, underscored by the region's signature minerality. It pairs excellently with game and hearty stews, making it a quintessential choice for discerning fine wine enthusiasts. With Le Vieux Murier's impeccable reputation and the 2019 vintage widely acclaimed as excellent, it's unquestionably, a worthy addition to any refined wine collection.

Jeb Dunnuck (95)

The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is flat-out brilliant, and readers looking for an incredible wine that will drink well for upwards of two decades should back up the truck on this one. Incredible black cherry, Provençal garrigue, pepper, and licorice notes give way to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced, seamless 2019 with ripe tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. You could safely put this up with the crème de la crème in a blind tasting and it would do just fine. The blend is 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 12% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault, aged mostly in concrete tank, with 12% brought up in old barrels.

Vinous (95)

Brilliant ruby. A powerfully scented bouquet displays mineral-accented red and blue fruit aromas complemented by pungent flowers, white pepper and incense touches. Offers deep red and blue fruit liqueur, cherry-cola and succulent herb flavors that show good definition and chewy texture. It comes off graceful for its depth and closes on a repeating floral note, with outstanding length and smoky, mineral cut.

Discover the exquisite Louis Cheze Saint Joseph Caroline Prestige 2019, a hallmark of creative viticulture. This aromatic Syrah blend from the Northern Rhône valley pays homage to the skilled craftsmanship of Louis Cheze, renowned for his innovative approaches in winemaking. Nurtured on the terraced slopes of Chavanay, the wine is matured 18 months in French oak for added depth and complexity.

On first blush, you will be greeted with notes of dark berries, followed by subtle, peppery undertones that reflect the characteristic granitic soil of Saint Joseph. The finish is smooth yet full-bodied, offering a striking balance of power and finesse. Internationally acclaimed, critics laud Louis Cheze Saint Joseph Caroline Prestige 2019 as one of the finest from this winery, beautifully exemplifying its dedication towards excellence. Revel in this exceptional wine's captivating essence; an unparalleled experience for discerning connoisseurs.

Savour the divine transcendence of the Maison Stephan Cote Rotie Les Binardes 2019, an alluring symphony of expert viticulture and sublime vinification. Maison Stephan, a distinguished and respected winemaker, comes from the esteemed Rhone region of France. Set in the Cote Rotie appellation, this award-winning winery has successfully marinated tradition with innovation.

The 2019 Les Binardes is a distinguished exhibit of indulgent depth and invigorating complexity. Grapes rest on terraced slopes of schist and granite, while meticulous handpicking ensures only the finest Syrah clusters are used. Traditional whole bunch fermentation and maturation in oak barrels for up to 24 months impart a vibrancy of dark fruit flavours, teasing notes of spice, and a whisper of smoke.

Sip with reverence, and lose yourself in the delicate sophistication of the Maison Stephan Cote Rotie Les Binardes 2019 – a pinnacle of French viticulture excellence commended by wine connoisseurs globally. This is truly an eloquent testament to the prowess Maison Stephan inherits in each meticulously crafted bottle.

Vinous (94)

Dark, vivid ruby. An expansive bouquet displays scents of ripe red and blue fruits, cola and candied violet, along with exotic spice and smoked meat accents. Smooth and fleshy in the mouth, offering sappy black raspberry, kirsch, boysenberry and licorice flavors that are sharpened by a spicy suggestion of cracked pepper. Rich yet energetic as well, finishing appealingly sweet and long, with steadily building tannins and repeating smokiness.

Jeb Dunnuck (100)

An absolute blockbuster of an Hermitage that tastes like the blood of Syrah, the 2019 Hermitage Le Greal sports a saturated purple hue to go with insane aromatics of pen ink, smoked meats, burning embers, currants, and ground pepper. Massively concentrated, full-bodied, structured, and yet also flawlessly balanced, this legendary Hermitage is going to need a decade or more to get close to maturity, and I suspect it will have 40-50 years of overall longevity. I wouldn't be surprised if the 1961 Jaboulet Hermitage La Chapelle tasted similar to this on release.

Vinous (94)

Bright ruby. Vibrant, spice-accented aromas of raspberry and cherry liqueur, incense and pungent flowers are accompanied by a smoky mineral nuance that builds in the glass. Deep-pitched yet impressively lively as well, offering intense red and dark berry liqueur and floral pastille flavors that stain the palate and show superb clarity and minerally lift. Closes extremely long, focused and lively, with silky tannins framing the wine’s sweet fruit. This is about as good as a "basic" Châteauneuf gets.

Vinous (97)

Saturated ruby. A heady, impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied flowers, garrigue and incense, along with exotic spice and mineral notes that build with air. Utterly stains the palate with vibrant raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, licorice and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. Polished tannins add gentle grip to the strikingly long, floral-dominated finish, which shows no rough edges.

Vinous (97)

Saturated ruby. A heady, impressively complex bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, candied flowers, garrigue and incense, along with exotic spice and mineral notes that build with air. Utterly stains the palate with vibrant raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, licorice and fruitcake flavors that are sharpened by a jolt of spiciness on the back half. Polished tannins add gentle grip to the strikingly long, floral-dominated finish, which shows no rough edges.

Vinous (95)

Saturated ruby. Expressive, spice-accented red and dark berry preserve, smoked meat, potpourri and olive. Offers densely packed cherry, blackberry, fruitcake and cracked pepper flavors that are sweetened by a touch of vanilla. Closes very long and smoky, with the cherry and floral notes hanging on. This one needs some patience. Half de-stemmed fruit and one-third new oak.