Domaine des Sénéchaux : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019

Dark, with a muscular core of blackberry, black currant and black Mission fig flavors that rumble through, laced with charcoal, cast iron and licorice root notes. Features a broad swath of tobacco and savoriness on the finish, lending cut and drive. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2038. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 7,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.

Refined and restrained aromas of smoke, raspberry and cinnamon. Velvety on the palate, showing a generous concentration of ripe fruit. Rounded and opulent, with silky tannins.

A racy, perfumed nose of ripe berries, dried thyme, sweet cloves, dark chocolate and some lard. Full-bodied with tight but mealy tannins. Structured and layered, with a long, pretty sleek finish. Best after 2024.

Soft textured, lush, ripe, fresh and sweet, the dark, spicy red fruits and peppery, olive-tinged edge shine through on the nose, palate and rich finish. The touch of spice and green leafy herbs on the endnote adds a lot of complexity. The wine is made mostly from Grenache, with Syrah, Mourvedre, and various other allowable grape varieties. Drink from 2023 - 2035.

Strong crimson garnet, purple reflections, faint ochre brightening on the rim. Fresh sweet cherries, subtle notes of plums, some nougat, hints of spices and herbs. Juicy, elegant, very harmonious, ripe cherries, fine tannins, sweet finish, good ageing potential.

Looking at the red, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is brilliant and should be snatched up by readers. Offering a thrilling nose of ripe strawberries, black raspberries, garrigue, and flowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ripe, silky tannins, no hard edges, and a great, great finish. It’s going to drink fabulously well over the coming 10-15 years. The blend is 57% Grenache, 24% Syrah, and 19% Mourvèdre, brought up in a mix of foudre, old barrels, and concrete tanks.

Deep garnet color, smoky and oaky nose with intense notes of stone fruit and kirsch, a fleshy, structured palate with fairly fine tannins and plenty of length. A wine with great potential, built to age for 5 to 15 years.

Senechaux's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 57% Grenache, 24% Syrah and 19% Mourvèdre, aged in a combination of foudres, older barriques and concrete tanks. It offers up a nice array of fruit flavors, ranging from grilled cherries and red-skinned plums to fresh red raspberries. Full-bodied, supple and easy to drink already, it finishes with ample length and mouthwatering acids.