Domaine du Vieux Lazaret, Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2020, Rhone, France

This estate is owned by the Quiot family, vineyard owners in Châteauneul-du-Pape for over 3 centuries. All the authorized varieties are planted on its 230 acres. Varietals: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, Carignan, Counoise, Terret Noir, Picoul, Muscardin, Picardin, Bourboulenc, Clairette and Roussanne. There are 3 major soil types, soils with rolled pebbles, stony terraces with sand and gravel sub-soils & clay soils formed from the limestone mother rock. Virtually total de-stemming, pumping over twice a day, vatting time 2-3 weeks in concrete vats. Matured for 18 months in vats and ‘foudres’ (15%). Pale plus dark red with clear purple rim. The nose is warm and beginning to show an attractive complexity characterized by understated red fruits and spice along with leather and tertiary notes. The palate is composed and lighter weight, again exhibiting a measure of bottle development in an appealing mix of red cherry and spice notes. 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.