Tardieu Laurent : Châteauneuf-du-Pape "Vieilles Vignes" 2021

This stylish, modern version offers a seductive perfume of violet and red fruit, with supple plum and steeped raspberry notes layered with warm spices, black licorice, toast and charred alder. The lushness is held in check with fine-grained tannins and notes of graphite. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2032. 350 cases made, 75 cases imported.

Subtle aromas of cherries, wild berries, cured meat, dried herbs and baking spices on the nose, leading to a medium to full body with finely grained tannins. Textured and compact, with creamy fruit at the core and a lift of herbs and spices toward the focused finish. Drink or hold.

More lifted notes of blue fruits, ground pepper, and violets emerge from the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes, a concentrated, layered, incredibly impressive 2021 that has good mid-palate depth, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It has the structure and depth to benefit from a year or three of bottle age and keep for 10-15 years.