2022 Domaine du Vieux Lazaret Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES:

The nose is warm and shows an attractive complexity characterized by understated red fruit and spice along with leather and tertiary notes. The palate is composed and lighter in weight, exhibiting a mix of red cherry and spice. There is a fine, balanced structure. This is an elegant, not heavyweight style expressing Cinsault and Grenache in particular, with the emphasis on finesse rather than power.

TASTING NOTES:

Candied cherries, sweet cranberries and a touch of stewed herbs. Lightly chewy in terms of tannins, with a fluid center palate and a medium-length finish. A bit overripe, but approachable. A good, simple Chateauneuf that shows early appeal.

- James Suckling, 91 pts.