The 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition is a proprietary blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre, originating from the Southern Rhone region of France. This red wine exhibits a medium to full-bodied profile with an alcohol content of 15.5%, sealed with a traditional cork closure.
Jeb Dunnuck commends this wine for showing "the pure, supple, charming style of the vintage perfectly," noting its "soft tannins, lots of darker berry fruits, notes of sappy garrigue and pepper, and outstanding length." Dunnuck rates it 92 points and suggests it will continue to drink well for 10-12 years, describing it as a "quintessential Châteauneuf du Pape" (jebdunnuck.com, 11/11/2022).
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gives a slightly higher score of 93 points, praising its full-bodied and fleshy character that remains "airy and light on its feet, silky and elegant." The review highlights the wine's red-fruited, cherry-driven nature, contrasting it with the 2019 vintage. The Grenache and Mourvèdre components mature in concrete tanks, while the Syrah ages in barriques (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 5/5/2022).
Wine Spectator also awards it 93 points, emphasizing its "perfumed and floral" qualities, with "alluring high-toned cherry pie and raspberry tart interwoven with warm earth, licorice root, and a refined iron mineral streak." The structure "sneaks up on the palate, cleaning up the finish and driving good length" (Wine Spectator, 12/14/2022).
James Suckling echoes the high praise with another 93-point rating, describing a "fruity nose with notes of strawberries, raspberries, cured meat, bark, and peppercorns." He notes its well-balanced and structured nature, with "creamy tannins" and a "focused, salivating finish with excellent length." The grapes are organically grown and the wine is unfiltered (jamessuckling.com, 4/26/2023).
Vinous offers a slightly more reserved score of 91 points, noting its modern style and pale ruby color. The review mentions aromas of "cooked red and black fruits, crème de cassis, and cloves," with a full-bodied character that maintains freshness through crisp acidity, despite slightly coarse tannins (Vinous, 6/29/2023).
Overall, the 2020 Domaine Giraud Chateauneuf du Pape Tradition receives consistently high praise for its balance, structure, and length, making it a noteworthy choice for both current enjoyment and future aging.