The 2020 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf du Pape is a Grenache-dominated red wine from the renowned Chateauneuf du Pape appellation in the Southern Rhone region of France. This wine, produced by Domaine Olivier Hillaire, comprises predominantly Grenache with a 10% Syrah blend and has an alcohol content of 15.0%.
Jeb Dunnuck praises this vintage, scoring it a 91 and highlighting its classic appeal. He notes, "Readers looking for a classic, incredibly satisfying wine that should keep for a decade should jump on the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape from Olivier Hillaire." According to Dunnuck, it boasts "textbook notes of ripe blackberries, black cherries, peppery herbs, and loamy earth." He describes it as medium to full-bodied with a "charming, forward style" and "soft tannins," making it "already impossible to resist" (jebdunnuck.com, 11/11/2022).
Joe Czerwinski from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gives the wine a slightly higher score of 92, emphasizing its inviting and fragrant qualities. He describes it as having "enticing, Grenache-laden notes of strawberries, roses and black tea." Czerwinski finds the wine "nicely silky and balanced—not overdone, not underdone—just charming and easy to drink" (Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, 9/29/2023).
Wine Spectator also awards the wine a 91 and highlights its supple and high-toned nature. Reviewer KB mentions flavors of "smoked cherry, lavender and plum paste," noting its "heady and warm" character. The wine is described as having "succulent acidity and savory details of salty mineral and forest floor," with a "lingering finish" that packs "serious power and density." Wine Spectator suggests it is ready to drink now and will remain enjoyable through 2032 (Wine Spectator, 3/31/2024).
Overall, the 2020 Domaine Olivier Hillaire Chateauneuf du Pape is a balanced and accessible wine with a range of inviting flavors and aromas, making it a notable choice for enthusiasts of classic Rhone reds.