Very darkly coloured for the vintage, this is broad and full-bodied but not over extracted. The tannins are quite burly, but should settle in time and underline the plums, blackberries and liquorice. Powerful if not with great depth. Lieux-dits Barbe d'Asne, Bois Lauzon, La Crau, Crista, Le Pointu and Les Roumiguières. Fermented in stainless steel and concrete, then aged in concrete and old oak.

The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape is slightly deeper ruby/plum-hued and is based on 47% Grenache, 29% Mourvedre, and 24% Syrah. Smoked red and black fruits, ground pepper, cured meats, and leather all emerge on the nose, and this ripe, savory, already complex 2020 is medium to full-bodied, has a round, seamless mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Given its complexity and balance, it's already showing nicely, yet there are enough tannins here to warrant a few years of bottle age.

A reliable choice in pretty much every vintage, Sixtine's 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape continues that tradition, offering up attractive aromas of menthol, black cherries and garrigue. A blend of 47% Grenache, 29% Mourvèdre and 24% Syrah this year, it's medium to full-bodied, moderately concentrated and gently tannic on the lingering finish. - Joe Czerwinski