Chateauneuf du Pape "Urgonien 1.14 hectare", Clos Bellane 2018

Sourced from a 1.ha parcel. From limestone-rich soils, the 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Urgonien—a blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre—offers hints of crushed stone and faint herbal notes on the nose, accenting purple raspberries.

Still tight and primary, this is medium to full-bodied, silky and suave, with substantial tension on the palate and mouthwatering acids on the lengthy finish. It doesn't appear to have the drama or soaring florals of the previous couple of vintages, but remains a strong, elegant effort.