Domaine Saint-Prefert ” Chateauneuf du Pape 2018

Intense, with a Turkish coffee note out front before the core of steeped plum, black cherry and fig fruit starts to unfurl, while extra hints of singed alder, garrigue and warm earth develop, adding length and range on the finish. Delivers muscular power and perfumed grace that work together perfectly. Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Best from 2022 through 2040.

97 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Oct 2020)

Boasting the darkest fruit of the three 2018s from Saint-Préfert, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud delivers notes of black cherries and dark chocolate, plus hints of wintergreen, cassia bark and baking spices. It’s full-bodied but less expansive on the palate than the others, compact and dense without being heavy or overdone, and it’s framed by ripe but supportive tannins. Mexican chocolate and cola notes linger elegantly on the lasting finish.

96 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate (Sep 2020)

Lastly, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Collection Charles Giraud is a more Mourvèdre driven wine and is 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, from 80-year-old vines, that was only partially destemmed and brought up all in demi-muids. Ruby/purple-hued with gorgeous crème de cassis and black cherry fruits as well as notes of smoked meats, white chocolate, ground pepper, and candied violets, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, silky texture, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish. As with the other 2018s here, it’s pure class. It can be drunk today or cellared for 15+ years.

95+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Oct 2020)