Janasse Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2022

98 points Matt Walls (Decanter): "Full, lush and powerful, with a wall of intense tannin – this is an enormously powerful wine that will take many years to approach a state of drinkability. Huge concentration and huge intensity, in many ways this fits the Châteauneuf archetype of statuesque wines for very long ageing. Be prepared for a long wait, followed by rich rewards. Partly destemmed, fermented in concrete, matured for 12 months in foudres and demi-muids. Drinking Window: 2034-2047. (9/17/23)"

95-97+ points Jeb Dunnuck: "Lastly, the 2022 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieille Vignes is easily the most powerful in the lineup and has a rock star nose of ripe black cherries, melted licorice, spring flowers, and gravelly earth. It's rich, full-bodied, has ripe, integrated tannins, and a great finish. (10/30/23)"

95 points & '#79 Top 100 Wines of 2024,' Wine Spectator: "[$125 list] This powerhouse unleashes rich waves of black licorice, cherry paste and spiced plum. Shows impressive texture and energy, with black tea tannins bringing good form to the simmering, opulent palate. Grilled cedar, anise and smoke notes round out the concentrated finish; a hedonist's red for sure, this nonetheless shows real integrity and balance. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Best from 2026 through 2040. (12/15/24)"

****(*)  John Livingstone-Learmonth (Cradle of the Rhône):"(barrel/casks) deep red robe; the nose has a dry vintage thickness in the fruit, suggest thick skins and concentrated grapes, has a probing depth led by its old Grenache. The palate is full but intricate, with varied, still forming prompts of fruit, smokiness, texture. There are prune, tobacco notes with a firm couch from the tannins; a little musky perfume hovers above it, notes of iron in its persistent close. It’s vigorous, but carries inner detail, and the longer it’s left, the more the details will appear. From 2028-29. 2049-51 (Oct 2023)"