Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018

97 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Strong ruby colour, with purple reflections and a broad ochre rim. Fine savoury herbal notes, with ripe cherry, fruits of the forest, and a pleasant woodiness. Still a little restrained. The mouthfeel is juicy and silky, with ripe fruit and ripe tannins. Elegant, balanced and persistent, with delicate hints of nougat on the long finish. Will develop well over time. A classic of the highest order. (4/23/21)"

97 points/'Le Coup de Coeur,' La Revue du Vin de France: "With an average yield of 9 hl/ha in 2018, the harvest is quite small, but the Rouge displays a very pretty freshness of fruit and a subtle framework on the palate. Mourvèdre (at 40%) brings its silkiness to the table, creating a full-bodied, graceful wine. (2021)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Due to devastating yields, there’s not much of the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape to go around, but it’s going to be worth the extra effort to track down. Based on 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah (and a splash of other permitted varieties), it offers a textbook, classic Châteauneuf du Pape nose of mulled red and black fruits, Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, and saddle leather. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied Clos des Papes that has thrillingly polished tannins, flawless balance, and a great finish. Made in a style similar to the 1999, 2004, and maybe a kiss of the 2006, it has the beautiful elegance (again, a Grand Cru Burgundy comes to mind) paired with plenty of intensity and length. I doubt it will shut down and it’s going to evolve nicely for 15-20 years or more. Drink: 2020-2040. (Oct 2020)"

96 points Wine Spectator: "[$109 list] A very refined, silky style, with subtle bitter cherry, damson plum and raspberry coulis notes racing through, flanked by garrigue and sandalwood notes and ending with graceful rooibos tea and mineral threads. This offers understated luxury. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Best from 2022 through 2038. 2,000 cases made, 250 cases imported. (12/31/20)"

95 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "Bursting with striking red-fruit aromas and delicate cinnamon, clove and star anise notes, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is another terrific vintage from this estate. While certainly full-bodied and powerful, it's also lithe and silky, with an almost airy feel on the palate that translates into great elegance on the lengthy finish. Drink: 2020-2030. (Sep 2020)"

95 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "Bright violet. Expressive, smoke-accented cherry, Chambord, licorice, succulent herb and exotic spice qualities on the nose. Weighty and broad on the palate, offering intense red fruit, floral pastille, allspice, cola and botanical herb flavors that turn sweeter as the wine opens up. The floral note gains strength with air and drives the impressively long, penetrating finish, which features polished tannins and resonating cherry and floral notes. Drink: 2025-2035. (Oct 2021)"

95 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "The 35% Mourvèdre is quite present on the nose, which shows deep black cherry kirsch aromas, sweet strawberry and a potpourri, floral lift. This is a soft, succulent, juicy style, with bright and concentrated strawberry fruit, and although the alcohol is a little raised, there's a lovely freshness to the wine. More Mourvèdre than usual due to the rampant mildew that the southern Rhône suffered in 2018, which attacked the Grenache more severely than the Syrah and Mourvèdre. Drinking Window: 2020-2039. (Oct 2020)"

94.8 points CellarTracker.com community score.