2015 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Famille Isabel Ferrando (St. Prefert)

93P - Intense røde bærtoner i næsen. Saftig og velbalanceret vin med peber, lakrids, kirsebær, jordbær og strejf vanilje. Kompleks med masser af lag. Yderst flot vin med en lang frugtig afslutning.

The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is a great effort that should be reasonably available. Produced from vines under 30 years old, it's a blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah. There's a tinge of chocolate to the raspberry and licorice flavors but also hints of orange zest, cinnamon and clove. It's full-bodied and lush, with a long finish. There's no need to defer gratification, but it should drink well for at least a decade. 2017 - 2027.

Beautifully fresh plum and damson fruit. Very full, packed full of juicy, flowing fruit and ripe, juicy acidity. This is notable for the finesse of its tannin, and overall sense of balance, harmony and vibrancy. The alcohol is slightly noticable on the finish, but this is nonetheless vibrant, juicy and full of pleasure. A winner in this vintage. 2017-2025.

Vivid ruby. Lively, sharply focused red berry, floral pastille and Asian spice scents, along with suggestions of garrigue and smoky minerals. Sweet, focused and seamless in texture, offering intense raspberry, spicecake and lavender flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. Clings with real authority on the subtly tannic finish, leaving a suave floral note behind. This is an outstanding example of a "basic" Châteauneuf.

Red Energetic, with a big ball of kirsch wound tightly with licorice, graphite and raspberry coulis notes. Shows lots of bright spice accents through the finish, which is carried by finely beaded acidity. Best from 2020 through 2035.- J.M.