Vignobles Mayard, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Crau de Ma Vieilles Vignes, 2020

The nose is expansive and generous, offering rich aromas of dark fruits typical of Châteauneuf-du-Pape - black cherries and ripe plums - complemented by the region's signature garrigue herbs, pepper, and subtle notes of sun-warmed stones. The Mediterranean warmth of the vintage is evident in the wine's aromatic intensity.

On the palate, the wine displays lush, fruity, silky and polished with a base of ripe juicy, sweet kirsch, and black cherry with touches of cocoa and pepper. Vibrant and refined, with a polish to the tannins in the finish, The texture is full and rounded, with the ripe tannins providing structure without aggression. The blend shows excellent integration, with layers of dark fruit, spice, and herbal notes carried through by the wine's natural freshness despite the warm vintage conditions.

The finish is long and warming, with the fruit and spice notes persisting, underscored by subtle minerality from the region's famous galets roulés (pudding stones).

Country/Region: Cotes du Rhone, France 

Grape Variety: 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Syrah, 

Bottle Size: 750ml