The 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee les Grenache de Pierre is a red wine crafted from 100% Grenache grapes, sourced from century-old vines grown predominantly in the sandy soils of lieux-dits La Crau and Pignan in the Southern Rhone region of France. This wine is noted for its significant alcohol content of 15.5% and is sealed with a traditional cork closure.
Decanter awarded this wine a score of 96, praising its "massy, ripe sweet tannins" and "deeply ingrained freshness." The wine is described as "darkly fruited and very long," with an expected aging period before it reaches its peak. The review also highlights the wine's origin, noting that it is produced from 100-year-old Grenache vines, fully destemmed, and aged in concrete.
James Suckling's review, which scored the wine 93, emphasizes its aromatic profile with "lots of cherries, wild berries, dried herbs and stones." He describes the wine as having a "succulent core of cherries and wild strawberries" with a "vivid and peppery finish," and notes that it is made from organically grown grapes.
Jeb Dunnuck also gave the wine a score of 96, calling it "the star of the show in 2020." He describes its "incredible aromatics of cassis, black raspberries, white truffle, flowery incense, and hints of bouquet garni." He notes its "full-bodied richness, deep, layered mid-palate, ultra-fine tannins, and a long finish."
Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com also rated this wine at 96, highlighting its "black raspberries, spice box, flowers and red fruits on the nose," and a "lusciously-textured" palate. He mentions the "long, refined, yet rich finish" with hints of "chocolate mint."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Vinous both scored the wine 95. Joe Czerwinski from Wine Advocate noted the "veritable bushels of black cherries" and "ample freshness on the long finish." Nicolas Greinacher from Vinous mentioned its "pungent aromas of raspberry liqueur, cranberry, wild strawberry," and "impeccable balance."
Wine Spectator also awarded a score of 96, describing the wine as "floral" and "stunning," with "plum, cherry cobbler, incense and lavender" and "real energy driving the length."
Overall, the 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee les Grenache de Pierre is highly regarded by critics for its aromatic complexity, full-bodied richness, and impressive aging potential.