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Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 in bottle: the top 50 wines

Matt Walls reports on an extensive tasting of the Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018s now that the wines have been bottled and finds an approachable vintage that’s largely drinkable now with a number of delicious wines he'd be happy to have in the cellar.

A few weeks ago, a van dropped off some 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape outside my front door for this tasting. As my new neighbours walked past in the street outside, I could sense the concern behind their smiles. After all, this wasn’t a couple of cases. It was a pallet.


Scroll down for Matt Walls’ top 28 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 wine tasting notes and scores


Normally I’d undertake a tasting of this size in-situ or at the Decanter offices, but with travel restrictions in place, home it had to be. It worked out better than expected; I could taste wines blind then sighted, with food and without, and over several days. I’m pleased, as this is a peculiar vintage that demands extended prodding and poking. It’s not a year that can be easily second-guessed.


See Matt Walls’ top 28 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2018 wine tasting notes and scores


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