2020 Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC "Alexis Establet", Rhône, France

Firm and deep, a little leathery and fleshy, also dried-herbal aroma of black and red berries with cherry nuances, a little cedar wood, tomato essence, forest floor and hints of black olives. Quite dense, ripe, warm, juicy fruit, chocolaty and almond-nutty wood flavours, crumbly tannin, persistent and melting on the palate, a hint of rum pot and nut liqueur, good depth, a little dried fruit in the background, tobacco nuances, some blood orange, pomegranate and salt, sweet core, restrained zest tones, very good finish with ripe juice, fine spice and again some rum pot.

Best to drink: 2025-2030+. What our ratings mean