Château Maucoil Privilège Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

The smaller production 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Privilege comes from a blend of mostly Grenache, yet includes 15% Syrah, 12% Mourvedre, and smaller amounts of other permitted varieties. Aged in 30% new oak, it’s a charming, supple, seamless 2020 (which is the vintage) that has medium to full-bodied aromas and flavors of red and black fruits, saddle leather, peppery garrigue, and Provençal herbs. Its soft, supple style gives it plenty of up-front appeal, yet I have no doubt it will evolve for at least 10-12 years. Despite some new oak aging, this is classic Southern Rhône goodness, and the oak is perfectly integrated and hardly noticeable. Maturity: 2022-2034. Score – 94. (jebdunnuck.com, Nov. 11, 2022)