Robert Parker (98)
Black cherries, blackberries and garrigue all appear on the nose of the dense, concentrated 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes. Yes, the wine boasts some formidable tannins, but they're ripe, and the fruit is vibrant and intense, with all of the ingredients for cellaring up to two decades. With time, it might even approach the performance of the 2009 (99 points) or 2010 (100).
Jancis Robinson (17.5)
Tasted blind. Lovely juicy and vibrant nose, packed full of fruit. Lovely blend of dark fruit, spice and finely-tuned tannins – well put together and despite being a rich and chewy style there is a lovely sense of freshness. Excellent
Decanter (97)
Lovely density of dark fruit, full and weighty on the palate. This is powerful, long, concentrated and fresh. The alcohol is a little warming, but generally the impression is one of warmth, generosity and endlessly deep, dark fruit. One for the cellar. Fermented in concrete, matured for 12 months in foudre and demi-muid.
BOW (9)
Falstaff (99)
Strong ruby, purple reflections, faint ochre brightening on the rim. Delicate herbal spice, some black olive and fig, nuances of liquorice and garrigue, ripe cherries, multi-faceted bouquet. Juicy, silky, sweet berry fruit, tight, integrated tannins, minerality, very long finish, a touch of prunes on the finish, to be drunk from 2025 onwards.
Wine Enthusiast (98)
In contrast to Janasse's varietal Châteauneuf-du-Pape bottlings, this expression of old vines dating as far back as 1920 blends Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and other grapes from four distinct vineyard sites. Matured primarily in foudres, it offers piercing blackberry and black-plum flavors softened by flurries of peppercorn and anise as well as ripe, feathery tannins. Anchored by a firm earthen undertow, the wine will improve through 2040 and hold further.
