The 2020 Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a red wine hailing from the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape appellation in the Southern Rhone region of France. This proprietary blend, predominantly composed of very old vine Grenache, boasts a significant alcohol content of 15.0% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
This wine has garnered notable acclaim from several esteemed wine reviewers. Jeb Dunnuck of jebdunnuck.com was particularly impressed, awarding it a high score of 97 points. He described it as "rock star stuff that I’d buy in a second," emphasizing its "rocking bouquet of blackberries, ripe cherries, licorice, toasted spices, and violets." Dunnuck further highlighted its seamless, elegant texture, ripe tannins, and a great finish.
James Suckling's review, penned by Senior Editor Stuart Pigott, also commended the wine, giving it a solid 93 points. Pigott noted the intense clove aroma, which he mentioned is "at the outer edge of typicity for this appellation." He appreciated its savory, dry, and surprisingly elegant profile, particularly through its long balsamic and spicy finish. Pigott also pointed out that it is produced from organically grown grapes, a fact that might appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
Vinous reviewer Nicolas Greinacher echoed similar sentiments, also rating it at 93 points. Greinacher noted the wine's "pungent aromas of raspberry jam, strawberry compote, red and black plum, dried herbs, licorice, cloves, wood smoke and vanilla." He observed that while the oak-derived aromas and flavors are prominent and will require some time to integrate, the underlying high quality is undeniable, bolstered by "ever-so-velvety tannins and refreshing acidity."
Wine Spectator's K.B. awarded the wine 95 points and described it as "concentrated but not weighty," with an "ethereal quality to its attractive licorice, cherry pie and fragrant incense notes." The review highlighted its beautifully textured nature, featuring "bitter plum and mineral notes alternating with holiday spices and apple wood smoke stretching out across the finish." K.B. suggested that this wine could be enjoyed now or cellared through 2040.
Overall, the 2020 Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is a highly praised wine, notable for its elegant texture, complex aromatic profile, and potential for aging.