M. Chapoutier : La Bernardine 2022

The 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape la Bernardine, a blend of Grenache Noir, Mourvèdre and Syrah in unknown proportions, offers up aromas of cardamom, garrigue, spices and pepper. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and generously extracted, with plenty of youthfully chewy tannins, it's framed by a muscular, rather dense palate with a firm, slightly dry finish.

Softened plum and wild berry notes share the stage with herbs and savory power. Brown bread, toasted anise and juniper merge in on the harmonious palate, with all of the elements firing in sync. The beautiful texture — mostly glossy, with a hint of chewy meatiness — and chalk-fine tannins hold a gentle grip as grilled sandalwood smoke closes out. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2030. 600 cases imported.

A succulent, well-balanced and fine-tuned red with notes of red berries, wild herbs, meat and some baking spices as well. It’s medium- to full-bodied with fine, ripe tannins. Well-driven and structured but in control, with a long, intense and flavorful finish. Drink from 2027.

Spicy and alluring, the 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine enters the stage with intense garrigue, licorice and ripe blackberry. Full-bodied, concentrated and framed by edgy tannins, this is an opulent La Bernardine that’s going to need at least two more years to allow the tannins time to resolve. The 2022 checks out with good length on the spicy finish.

Leading off the 2022s, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Bernardine is a ripe, sun-kissed beauty with sweet red fruits, some peppery, floral, garrigue-like nuances, medium body, ripe, integrated tannins, and a great finish.