Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2020

98 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "A very Clos des Papes vintage,' says Vincent Avril, and I know what he means - a vintage that naturally delivers the kind of fresh, elegant wines that this estate is famous for. A tasting of several foudres point to a wine with natural, easy balance. The Mourvèdre is excellent here this year, and adds great depth to the fresh and delightful Grenache that has notes of black tea, black cherry and iron. Elegant and very fine. Drinking Window: 2023-2042. (Sep 2021)"

98 points La Revue du Vin de France: "For the red, we ring the same bell—it is immense, very fresh and correct. A Châteauneuf-du-Pape that possesses this beautiful concentration and velvety texture that make you forget its richness. The fourth star of the domain is not far away. (2023)"

98 points Peter Moser (Falstaff) (12/2/22).

96-98 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "Proprietor Paul-Vincent Avril expects to bottle 100,000 bottles of something approximating this 'final blend,,' tasted out of foudre. A blend of 55% Grenache, 35% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah and other permitted varieties, the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape looked exceptional on this day, offering up scents of framboise and kirsch alongside dried flowers and Asian spices. Full-bodied yet weightless, silky and long, this is special stuff, complex and balanced. Drink: 2022-2040. (5/5/2022)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "[$135 list] Beguiling, with a plume of black tea and incense leading off, followed by warmed black cherry reduction, cassis, melted black licorice, warm earth and singed tobacco and garrigue accents. Offers breadth and depth with a seamless feel, capped by a subtle mineral edge that lingers lengthily amid the beautiful fruit. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2040. 800 cases imported. (11/2/22)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape showed brilliantly and is certainly one of the stars in the vintage. Based on 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, and the rest Syrah and other permitted varieties, it shines for its elegance and purity, offering a wonderful core of red and black fruits, medium to full body, silky, incredibly polished tannins, flawless balance, and already complex notes of flowers, sappy garrigue, Provençal spice. It has the estate's incredible ability to bring wonderful intensity and richness while staying graceful and seamless. It reminds me slightly of the 2012, possibly the 2006, and while it already offers pleasure, it will evolve for 20+ years in cold cellars. Drink: 2022-2044. (11/11/22)"

5 stars, John Livingstone-Learmonth: "Dark red; plums, live red fruits, raspberry along with laurel, herbs on the nose. The palate holds elegant gras, has a silky feel, suave length, is aromatic, rose-like, floral. The tannins have top notch refinement. This is a beauty, a wine with foundation and a Pinot leaning. It declares early then becomes more cautious. It’s very pretty, with stylish gras, balance, fresh length, is symphonic, holds most entertaining juice. (Oct 2021)"