Fragrant, rich and graceful, this is a ravishingly beautiful Chateauneuf. The forest berry and wildflower aromas are hedonistic and very precise. The interplay of super-fine tannins and fruit on the full-bodied palate is spot on. Long, very silky and vibrant finish. Just bottled. From organically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

The inviting 2022 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is at eye level with the gorgeous 2020. Showcasing ripe forest strawberry, black cherry, licorice, crushed violet and licorice, the 2022 is simply alluring. Ripe and polished tannins provide good structure and lay a solid foundation for extended bottle-aging. This year’s blend is 65% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 12% Mourvèdre and 8% Syrah. Tasted twice with consistent notes.

Less exuberant than the F601, the 2022 Chateauneuf du Pape from Famille Isabel Ferrando is a blend of 60% Grenache Noir, 16% Mourvèdre, 16% Cinsault and 8% Syrah. It exhales a complex, shy bouquet of dark berries, spices, licorice, violet and dark cherries. Medium-bodied, fleshy and round with a textured mid-palate, it's enrobing and suave with structured tannins that segue into a long, penetrating and racy finish with lots of vertical energy. It matured for 18 months in a combination of foudres (34%), concrete tank (33%) and terracotta jars (33%).