(92-94 points) A normal blend, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a rocking wine that exudes elegance and finesse, yet still packs the classic Clos Saint Jean richness and depth. Offering notes of kirsch liqueur, licorice, ground pepper, and herbes de Provence, it's deep and medium to full-bodied, with incredibly polished tannins, and awesome upfront charm and approachability, yet gorgeous balance.

The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape features those exotic, stone fruit (apricot?) notes that super ripe Grenache can develop, matching them with intense kirsch scents and hints of cracker crumbs and dark chocolate. It's full-bodied and concentrated, intense and flavorful on the supple palate, ending with just a bit of peppery warmth—it's difficult to say if this is spice- or alcohol-induced, and it could legitimately be a combination of the two. Any way you you look at it, this is a voluptuous, seductive wine to drink over the next 6–7 years. - Joe Czerwinski