Clos Saint-Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2015

94 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Coming from an old vine selection and a smaller production release for the US market, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes tastes like the classic cuvée, only on steroids. Kirsch, loads of black and blue fruits, flowers and lavender notes all emerge from this full-bodied 2015 that has fine, fine tannin, solid mid-palate depth and a great finish. It certainly offers pleasure today, yet will keep for 10-15 years. (10/19/17)"

94 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "A special cuvée produced for the American importer, Eric Solomon, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes is huge. It blends 85% or more concrete-aged Grenache with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in barrique. The result is a massive wine filled with red fruit. The tannins are ripe to the point of creaminess on the mid-palate then firm up on the long finish. This hides its alcohol better than the regular cuvée and should age longer as a result. Drink: 2017-2030. (Oct 2017)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "Rich, with lots of cassis, crushed plum and warm raspberry reduction notes wrapped with licorice root and ganache accents. The solid grip is well-buried on the finish, leaving a tarry echo lingering with the fruit. Best from 2020 through 2035. 900 cases imported. (11/30/17)"

91-93 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): (this bottling is made exclusively for the American importer) Vivid ruby. Spice-accented aromas of red and dark berry liqueur, lavender and white pepper, backed by a subtle hint of garrigue. Fresh, expansive and appealingly sweet, offering palate-caressing black raspberry, cherry and spicecake flavors that deepen on the back half. Shows depth as well as energy and finishes with very good focus and sneaky tannins that blend smoothly with the plush fruit." (Mar 2017)