Tardieu Laurent : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2022

Evoking a ripe, spicy bouquet, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape from Tardieu-Laurent offers up aromas of dark cherries, garrigue, smoke and black berries. Medium to full-bodied, dense and rich, it has structured tannins with an oxidative profile that segues into a dry finish. This blend of 80% Grenache Noir, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah is very ripe and muscular.

75% Grenache (60–80 years old), 10% Syrah (40 years old), 10% Mourvèdre (60–80 years old), 5% Cinsault (60–80 years old). Half destemmed. From Plateau de Mont Redon, Les Bédines, la Crau, Cabrières, Pignan, le Cristia. Aged 10 months in one- and two-year-old barrels plus another 10 months in foudre (Allier, Tronçais). No fining, no filtration. Cask sample. Nuanced blackish crimson. Pale rim. Nose seems more evolved than some of the other 2022 southern Rhône reds from this address. Bloody and sweet and complete. I could happily drink this tonight! Though there’s a big tannic undertow that impinges on the finish. Masses of pleasure here. Though a fair bit of alcohol on the end. (JR)

An open nose in a juicy, well-ripened register (black fruits, cocoa, spices, maquis). The palate asserts its power and breadth, with chew and substance. The tannic framework from the oak brings length. This is a cellar-worthy vintage that needs time to come together.