Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2015

98 points Joe Czerwinski (Wine Advocate): "The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is a tour de force. Raspberry and apricot-scented fruit, rich chocolate notes and an incredible whirlwind of spice are delivered in this full-bodied wine that shows no heat, just waves of flavor. It should drink well for 20 years or more. Drink: 2017-2035. (Oct 2017)"

98 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Strong ruby garnet, purple reflections, brightening to the rim. Delicate dark berry confit, delicate underlay with spices and nougat, orange zest, a hint of quality oak and nougat, multi-faceted bouquet. Substantial, fine extracted sweetness, ripe cherries, red forest fruits, taut, grown-up tannins, fine acid structure, discreet sweetness on the finish, mineral and long lasting, very complex, still needs a few years to fully develop, great ageing potential for several decades. Alcohol 14.5%. (3/16/18)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "Ripe and focused, with a delightful mix of cassis, blood orange and cherry coulis flavors streaming through, backed by black tea and apple wood accents. Finely beaded acidity lets the fruit stretch out, while a light mineral edge adds range. Shows an echo of licorice snap at the very end. Dense, but there's remarkable grace here. Best from 2020 through 2040. 392 cases imported. (10/15/17)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes shows the finesse of the Cuvée Chaupin, yet adds more richness and depth. Blackcurrants, spice-box, licorice and roasted garrigue all emerge from this rich, full-bodied, exceedingly elegant and finesse-driven beauty. It has building tannin, and a great, great finish, all while playing in the more fresh, elegant style of the vintage. (10/19/17)"

96 points Tim Atkin, MW: "85% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah. Fermented in concrete, matured for 12 months in foudre and demi-muid. Plum, damson and savoury macerated herbs, a good strong beam of acidity, and muscular tannins. Powerful, balanced and sturdy. A excellent example of a powerful, classic Châteauneuf that has used the range of blending options available to its advantage. A strong Châteauneuf, with its feet firmly on the ground. 2020-2035."

96 points and 'Top 100 Wine of 2018 (#68),' International Wine Report: "The 2015 'Vieilles Vignes' Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine de la Janasse slowly begins to release sultry aromatics of ripe boysenberry, blackberry cobbler and blueberries woven together with fresh violets, exotic spices, pepper, orange zest, lavender and hints of grilled herbs all taking shape. The medium-full body is dense and concentrated with remarkable overall balance and precision. Beautifully layered and complex, this beauty up picks up momentum as it heads into the long, lavish finish. While this is nothing short of seductive now, it shows signs for an even brighter future ahead."

94-96 points Jeb Dunnuck (Wine Advocate): "The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes checks in as 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault, with 30% whole cluster. Its ruby/opaque color is following by terrific notes of cassis, cracked pepper, licorice and distinct minerality. Full-bodied, concentrated and with building tannin, it shows the more finesse-driven style of all of the 2015s, has fine tannin and a great finish. (Oct 2016)"

94-96 points Josh Raynolds (Vinous): "(made with 20 percent whole clusters and aged in concrete tanks and demi-muids) Dark ruby. Ripe, smoke-tinged cherry and blueberry compote aromas show excellent clarity, and a peppery element adds spicy lift. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering densely packed yet shockingly lively red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a hint of star anise. Shows superb energy on the broad, seamless, strikingly long finish, which is firmed by supple tannins and sharpened by a kick of juicy acidity. (Mar 2017)"