2019 - Chateauneuf-du-Pape Colombis, Isabel Ferrando

The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis is all old-vine Grenache, vinified entirely as whole clusters and matured in demi-muids. On the nose, there are some minty-stemmy notes but also wonderful suggestions of garrigue and vibrant fruit—red raspberries, cherries and stone fruit. It's full-bodied and silky on the mid-palate, then long, spicy-peppery and firmly tannic on the finish. While not unapproachable or unenjoyable even now, it should benefit from several years cellaring and live close to two decades. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Deep, shimmering ruby. Expansive, mineral- and spice-accented red and dark berry preserve, incense, cola and garrigue qualities on the finely detailed nose. Palate-staining cherry pie, raspberry, boysenberry, floral pastille and fruitcake flavors show uncanny energy for their depth. The spice and floral notes dominate a seriously long, sappy finish framed by velvety, well-knit tannins.

100% Grenache. Certified organic. Aged in tronconic tanks. Tank sample.Tasted blind. Lively nose of dark fruit but tempered by some sweet waxy notes. A sleek mouthfeel, this is incredibly powerful with fine sandy tannins and a long clean finish. Cocoa nib and a rich, textured finish. (AC)