**(*) CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE Domaine la Crau des Papes 2020

Shiny red robe; the nose gives a box of spices, with pine, gorse influences, has a little line of red fruit. The palate’s attack is the best moment, with a spiced release of plum fruits, bears medium weight content with a note of dryness in the tannins, isn’t as one yet, needs to amplify; the tannins present challenges. It’s a traditional Châteauneuf for stews, winter dishes. From 2023. 2032-34. Oct 2021

*** CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE ‘Louis Bernard’ 2020

(vat) ’’airs of herbs, plums, cloves, spicing. It stands up OK. The palate bears Grenache fruiting with a smoky tone to the tannins, finishes with the content slightly dropping back. It requires until late-2023 to soften, gives a steady Châteauneuf, could have more richness. 2034-36, Oct 2021