2018 Hommage a Jacques Perrin DMG

he nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage à Jacques Perrin is wonderfully fruity and full of garrigue. It shows remarkable complexity with notes of cherries, raspberries and strawberries accented by hints of bay leaf, lavender and thyme, as well as deeper bass notes of black olives, roasted meat, espresso, star anise and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and intense, it seems to have gained structure since last year, with a firm matrix of tannins holding everything together and lingering on the long finish. Cellar this Mourvèdre-based blend (about 60%) for five or more years; it should drink well for several decades afterward.

Grape variety: Grenache, Mourvèdre, Shiraz

Wine Advocate (Robert Parker): 99/100
James Suckling: 96/100

Alcohol content: 14.5% vol.
Allergen information: Contains sulphites

Bottler, importer: Château de Beaucastel
Chemin de Beaucastel
84350 Courthezon
France