Clos des Papes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rouge 2013

More Mourvèdre than usual this year, and tiny yields of just 13hl/ha. Pretty red fruits, damson, wild strawberry and raspberry on the nose. Violet top notes and a distinctly spicy side. Medium to full-bodied, with some darker fruit and firm tannins that ride in on the long, juicy finish – dry but not drying. Drinking Window 2016 – 2028

Brilliant ruby. Highly perfumed aromas of ripe red berries, incense, garrigue and smoky minerals convey a sexy Asian spice nuance in the background. Supple, seamless and alluringly sweet, offering intense black raspberry and floral pastille flavors that stain the palate. Smooth, seamless and concentrated but energetic as well, with velvety, slow-building tannins giving shape to a very long, spice- and mineral-accented finish.

Tasted out of bottle, the 2013 Châteauneuf du Pape comes from miniscule yields of 13 hectoliter per hectare (25-39 hectoliters per hectare is normal for the appellation), and hits 14.8% natural alcohol. It has a darker, slightly more concentrated, austere feel than the 2014, and has ample kirsch, blackberry, peppery and crushed rock-like aromas and flavors. Vincent commented that he thinks this vintage will shut down after a few years in bottle, so if you’re going try one in its youth, find the corkscrew. While obviously not a great wine, it’s certainly outstanding and has considerable charm and elegance. It will also have 10-15 years of overall longevity.