A challenging year for the appellation, the 2018 Chateauneuf Du Pape is a Mourvedre dominated release that's put together by California superstar Manfred Krankl and the incredible team at Clos Saint Jean. Released only in magnum (it's a tiny production cuvee), it reveals a translucent ruby/purple hue to go with a beautiful perfume of black raspberries, kirsch, orange blossom, candied violets, and peppery garrigue-like nuances. Gorgeous on the palate as well, it shows a medium to full-bodied, incredibly seamless style carrying polished tannins, a layered, elegant mouthfeel, good overall freshness (I'm sure the acidity is low), and a great finish. It unquestionably ranks with the top wines in the vintage and should drink brilliantly over the coming 10-15 years. | 96 points, Jeb Dunnuck for jebdunnuck.com