Chateau Le Pape Pessac-Leognan 2020

JS93-94: The fine tannins are layered and so round-textured in the mouth. It’s very floral and deep with blackberry, chocolate and spice. So much going on. Fresh and elegant at the end.

VM91-93: The 2020 Le Pape was picked September 9–15. It is initially tight on the nose and only opens about an hour after opening (I spent the time chatting to Véronique Sanders via Zoom) to offer blackberry and wild hedgerow intermixed with light incense and pressed iris scents, all very well defined. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy black fruit, beautifully balanced and very harmonious. There is a tincture of white pepper sprinkled over the finish that veers toward more red fruit in its final few bars. Excellent.

JD91-93: Ample blackcurrants, leafy tobacco, and damp earth as well as a hint of truffle emerge from the 2020 Château Le Pape. This puppy is medium to full-bodied, with a ripe, rounded texture, ripe tannins, and just impeccable overall balance. A beautiful wine, it will be drinkable in its youth yet also have 15 years of prime drinking and, I suspect, a gradual decline after that.