The 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape Colombis just about jumps out of the glass with its kirsch, ripe strawberry, wildflower, Provençal spice, and loamy earth-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a seamless, incredibly elegant mouthfeel, gorgeous tannins, and one great finish. It doesn't have the sheer mid-palate depth of the 2007 or 2016 (but few wines do) and is already accessible and undeniably delicious. This brilliant Grenache will drink well for 15 years or more. All the wines previously under the label Domaine Saint-Préfert and Isabel Ferrando are now grouped under the Famille Isabel Ferrando label. The lineup includes two whites, a Châteauneuf Du Pape Blanc and Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Spéciale Vieilles Clairettes; and three reds, a classic Châteauneuf Du Pape, a 100% Grenache Châteauneuf Du Pape Colombis, and a 100% Cinsault Châteauneuf Du Pape F601. The quality remains sky high at this estate, and it’s impossible to go wrong with any of these new releases.

The single varietal Grenache 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is a towering effort. Having the edge over the 2021 and coming in at 15.5% alcohol, it presents pristine aromas of ripe red fruits that have a jewel-like quality to them, dried lavender, cardamom, licorice, pencil shavings and crushed rocks. Full-bodied and layered, it is framed by ever-so-velvety tannins and balanced by high levels of fresh acidity. There is fantastic tension on the complex finish that goes on for well over a minute. 6,000 bottles produced.

Very fragrant, with sweet-plum and cocoa-powder notes, but not a hint of overripeness, this is a spectacular Chateauneuf! Very rich and sensual, this rolls over your palate and before you know it you’re lost in its warm embrace. The fine tannins at the expansive, spicy finish are spot-on. A single-vineyard wine that’s 100% grenache. From biodynamically grown grapes. Drink or hold.

Drawn from three plots of old-vine Grenache (70- to 80-year-old vines), the 2020 Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis looks to be another fantastic example of this cuvée, bursting with cherries and raspberries and nuanced by delicate sprigs of garrigue and hints of roses and black tea. Medium to full-bodied and silken in texture on the palate, it finishes with tremendous length and subtly building tannins. It's one 2020 that could take a few years to come around.