Giraud's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape—a mainly tank-aged blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre—is full-bodied and plush, a velvety-textured whirl of black cherries, blackberries and raspberries that finishes long, with touches of white pepper and alcoholic warmth. At the domaine's 35-euro price, it's a solid value that should drink well for more than a decade. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.
James Suckling (93)
A charming wine, featuring an open and inviting core of dark cherry, plum and raspberry compote flavors infused with sandalwood and black tea, with a flurry of licorice and sweet spice on the fleshy finish. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.
BOW (8.25)
Vinous (93)
Vivid ruby. Spice-accented black raspberry and cherry aromas are complemented by suggestions of garrigue and succulent flowers. Supple and seamless in texture, offering appealingly sweet and well-concentrated red berry, cherry liqueur and lavender pastille flavors sharpened by a spicy jolt of white pepper. Finishes on a repeating floral note, showing excellent clarity and polished tannins. Giraud's entry-level bottling has been going from strength to strength in recent vintages.
