94+Points

“A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre from a classic galets roulés terroir (le Bois de la Ville), Royer's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige matured in older demi-muids, but it still shows hints of clove, cedar and mocha. It also easily marries resiny, herbal notes with black cherries and blackberries, making for plenty of complexity. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it finishes long, with a velvety feel and ample tannins. I'd give it a few years in bottle, then drink it over the following decade. Tasted blind, I didn't detect any alcoholic heat, although I note that the submission materials state that it's 16.6% alcohol.”