Tardieu-Laurent Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes Red 2019

Blend: 80% Grenache noir, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah

Wine Spectator: 94
Ripe and expressive, with a lovely display of warmed plum, raspberry and blackberry puree flavors infused with red tea and anise notes. Features a solid mineral note that chimes on the finish, while a roasted apple wood frame keeps it all in line as the fruit takes an encore. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best from 2023 through 2036. 650 cases made, 200 cases imported.

Decanter: 93
Full-bodied but not overly fat, there's real depth here and grip. The alcohol is high, but the dark fruit is impressive and multi-layered with a long finish. You certainly feel the depth compared to their Tradition. Long, resonant finish and nice sense of purity. Give it time.

Wine Enthusiast: 95
Cut stone and salt accent black plum and fig in this Grenache-dominant red (augmented by 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre). Vinified with 50% whole clusters, it was matured 24 months in a succession of one-year-old barrique and foudre. Black-fruit flavors are sultry and spiced yet maintain a svelte, cutting demeanor. Cloaked in fine, powdery tannins, it's approachable young but concentrated enough to improve well past 2035.

Wine Enthusiast: 95

Cut stone and salt accent black plum and fig in this Grenache-dominant red (augmented by 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre). Vinified with 50% whole clusters, it was matured 24 months in a succession of one-year-old barrique and foudre. Black-fruit flavors are sultry and spiced yet maintain a svelte, cutting demeanor. Cloaked in fine, powdery tannins, it's approachable young but concentrated enough to improve well past 2035.

James Suckling: 93
Notes of ripe berries, plums and blueberries with spices and licorice. It’s full-bodied with firm, fine tannins. Rich and fruity with structure and weight. Balanced, flavorful finish. Drink from 2022.

Jeb Dunnuck: 97
Also pure Southern Rhône goodness, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes has classy notes of red and blue fruits, candied orange, flowers, peppery garrigue, and loads of Asian spices. Beautifully textured, silky, and elegant on the palate, it has wonderful tannins, a notable sense of freshness, and a great, great finish.