The year 2020 provided this appellation with what it had been lacking during the previous three harvests: an adequate yield. Following the sweltering summer of 2019, abundant winter rains replenished soil moisture, and warm, humid spring weather accelerated the growing season; flowering began in mid-May, a full 15 days earlier than in 2019. The summer was hot but not scorching, except for a single day on 1 August when temperatures soared to 41.5°C. Cool nighttime temperatures provided balance, and the Mistral ensured good air circulation among the vines throughout the season. Many growers began harvesting in the final days of August, and the rain did not begin until well after the fruit had been picked.
As a result, the Châteauneuf-du-Pape born of Marcoux stands out for its flavors of ripe fruit and vibrancy, with less tannin and a lighter texture than the 2019 vintage.
Robert Parker (93)
The 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape—80% Grenache, with small amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault—features complex aromas of crushed stone, garrigue, licorice and ripe cherries. It's full-bodied but also lively and zesty, firm across the mid-palate, then softly dusty on the lingering finish.
Winespectator (92)
A dark, bold style that features black currant, cassis and plum puree coursing alongside warm earth, black pepper, tobacco and steeped tea. Spicy tannins take hold on the finish, with a whiff of tar and smoke. Grenache, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Cinsault.
Jancis Robinson (16.5)
Cask sample. Lightly fragrant nose with a touch of red fruit and herb. Purity of fruit on the palate, the fine tannins building and giving length. Clean and fresh on the finish. Really appetising. James Lawther MW
Vinous (93)
Checking in at 15.5% alcohol, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a shimmering pale-ruby. It combines aromas of red and black cherry, blackberry, black plum, garrigue and white pepper. Full-bodied, elegant and wrapped in plush tannins, this 2020 red is well-balanced by refreshing acidity, closing with a complex finish.
Jeb Dunnuck (93)
Vibrant black cherries, mulberries, peppery herbs, and spice are just some of the nuances in the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape, an utterly classic Châteauneuf du Pape that's medium to full-bodied, has the vintage's seamless profile, ultra-fine tannins, and a great finish. This beautiful, quintessential effort can be enjoyed any time over the coming 15 years or more. The 2020 is a normal blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 7% Syrah, and the rest Cinsault, brought up mostly in concrete tank, but with 20% in tronconique tanks and 5% in old barrels.
