Cuvee Papet 2020

The 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet is a perplexing beast. with ample concentration and tannins but only modest cherry fruit and hints of clove on the nose. It's full-bodied. maybe even a touch warm on the palate. but also quite chewy—will it have enough fruit to outlast the tannins? Normally. this cuvée is quite easy to read and sits squarely a notch above the regular CdP. but even after trying two separate bottles. it wasn't clear this time around. (JC. 9/2023)