L'Oratoire des Papes : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2015

Direct, with ripe cherry and kirsch flavors forming the core, while light floral, shiso leaf and bergamot notes fill in through the finish. Has a sleek, polished feel in the end. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2025. 9,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.

A bold, smooth and ripe impression. Plenty of life and detail. The nose is right in the red-fruit zone with cherries and raspberries, as well as dried red flowers, leading to a palate that has smooth, nutty tannins and a seamless core of ripe, red berries. Drink or hold.

Medium-bodied, forward, spicy and smoky, with a stony note before the red berries kick in. The wine is fresh, light, clean and fresh, with a sweetness to the soft-textured cherries and kirsch. The wine was made by blending 80% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 7% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault.

Medium deep ruby red colour. A youthful nose of sweet red fruit, garrigue and dry spices. The palate is full on the younger side with a slight tannic firmness, an herbal spiciness, sweet cherry, crushed berries and a fresh backbone, good length and density, still yet unresolved needing some time to soften.

Esqueirons, Font du Loup, La Gardine, Gardiole, Pradel, Saint Georges, Saumades. pH 3.77, TA 2 g/l. 5% Cinsault, 80% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, 8% Syrah. Partial whole bunch. Élevage in a mixture of foudre and tronconic vat. Tasted blind. Dark ruby. Some gaminess on the nose but some complexity too. Sweet and round – quite advanced. Only medium acid and tannins. (JR)