Cuvee Papet 2020 MG (1,5 L)

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)