“2019 is truly an impressive vintage that produced some monumental wines.Yielding rich, powerful wines that have full-bodied, structured profiles that are going to benefit from bottle age. This is an exceptional vintage for the Southern Rhône that checks in just behind all-time greats such as 2016, 2010, 2007, 2001 & 1998.”

The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan-a tank-aged 100% Grenache from the sandy soils of Pignan (Nord)-offers more intensity than the regular cuvée, and more red-fruit flavors as well. Raspberries, cherries and hints of resinous herbs mark the nose, while the full-bodied palate is rich, velvety and long on the finish, with just a hint of warmth coming through, offset by attractive dried-spice notes. Compared to previous recent vintages, it's a bit less complex and charming.