| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
The 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Not For You is flat-out awesome, and Grenache doesn't get any better in this reviewer's opinion. Coming from 100-year-old vines in the Les Serres lieu-dit, in the southern end of the appellation, it was not destemmed and was brought up in a single new demi-muid. Incredible aromatics of darker berries, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, lavender, and leather are just some of its nuances, and this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered, opulent mouthfeel, full-bodied richness, ripe tannins, and a great, great finish. While this is a massive wine by any measure, it's not over the top, stays perfectly balanced, has ripe tannins, and is an incredibly singular wine. Unfortunately, it will be just about impossible to find in the market. If you're lucky enough to find a bottle, it should be at its best from 2026-2041. Drink between 2026-2041.
From the oldest vines of the estate, and not made every vintage (it was bottled previously in 2007, 2009 and 2016), the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Not For You was still in demi-muids at the time of my visit (it spends two full years in oak). Despite the wood influence, floral elements shine through the cedary notes, adding welcome nuance to the flavors of black cherries, plums and milk chocolate. It's full-bodied and supple, with crisper acids than I would've expected, finishing clean and bright. 2023-2040
