M. Chapoutier : La Bernardine 2020

This sultry red offers high-toned and very pure flavors of fresh raspberry, linzer torte and cherry licorice, gilded with grilled herbs, bacon and smoked apple wood. Edged in iron, the tannins are suave but still keep their shape. Orange peel acidity also brings nice lift to the ripe profile. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2035. 500 cases imported.

A layered and restrained Châteauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of red berries, spiced cherries, dried thyme and baking spices. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins. Textured and slightly chewy with plenty of berry and chocolate character toward the compact finish. Better after 2025.

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine is full-bodied, concentrated and well-structured. It mingles aromas of cooked strawberry, raspberry jam, crème de cassis, licorice, dried herbs and a dash of mint. There’s a touch of heat on the long finish, undermining the freshness.

The entry-level Chateauneuf du Pape from Chapoutier is medium-bodied, fresh, sweet and creamy, with ripe, spicy red fruits, a touch of spice and herbs, and nice vibrancy on the finish. The wine is made from a Grenache-dominated blend with some Syrah. Drink from 2022–2030.

Medium garnet colour, purple reflections, wide lightening on the edge. Restrained nose, a touch of dry herbs, tobacco, blackberries in the background, a smoky savouriness. Medium body, sweet red cherries, integrated tannins, mineral, delicate tannin on the finish, still needs some time.

The entry-level release from Chapoutier, the 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre), shows the supple, charming, pretty style of the vintage and has medium-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, framboise, and peppery herbs. This rounded, forward, front-end-loaded beauty is perfect for drinking over the coming 7–8 years or more.