Ancien Domaine des Pontifes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape

Cherry, spice and eucalyptus on the nose. Medium-full bodied, this is still very rich and drinking very well! Very ripe black cherry and blackberry, sandalwood incense, rosemary and sage on the palate. Just delicious! Drink now-2027. 93

I would have bet money this was an older Aussie Shiraz. Strong medicinal nose, loads of eucalyptus and cherry cough syrup on the nose. Very full bodied, the thickly textured palate is loaded with Aussie-Shiraz (McClaren Vale or some other similar appellation, not Barossa) like flavors of eucalyptus and more cough syrup. This is still a baby and will likely lose some fat and gain complexity with additional time Drink: 2024-2030 90?

at first it was closed, too acidic and thin. day two it really opened up. notes of strawberry, raspberry, cola, and a little earthy-violets thing going on. fine tannins still present, but enjoyable now. it's not a blow-your-doors-off CDP but if you want rustic charm in a glass, this is it.