Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019: Report and top scoring wines

'A lot of tannin, a lot of colour, a lot of alcohol, but very fresh,' says Jean-Paul Daumen at Domaine de la Vieille Julienne of the 2019 vintage. This is a year that has a lot of everything in fact, but when it’s in balance, the results are highly impressive. Scroll down to see Matt's top Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 tasting notes and scores It’s not a year of hugely structured wines like 2010, or effortlessly balanced ones like 2016, but 2019 is exceptional in its own way, combining elegance with power. [subscriber-content]One reason that Châteauneuf excelled over neighbouring appellations this year is that it had two small rainfalls on 15th July and 15th August, helping to keep ripening on track. 'Summer was incredible, beautiful, just perfect for Mourvèdre,' says César Perrin at Château de Beaucastel. This grape variety performed magnificently in 2019, and the Grenache was notably dark and tannic. The wines that did less well often shared the same problems: excessive alcohol, overripe flavours and a lack of freshness. Lovers of white Châteauneuf will find lots to enjoy this year, there are plenty of fresh and lively wines considering the intense climatic conditions. Most will be best when young. For the reds, this is a vintage that will be delicious in the first four or five years after vintage, but I suspect it will close down for several years after that. When they resurface and their vivacious early fruits have receded, some won’t be able to hide their high alcohols quite so well. But those that found the right balance will age for decades. Quick links

Individual appellation analysis and top-scoring wines: coming soon Gigondas, Vacqueyras & Beaumes de Venise Rasteau, Cairanne & Vinsobres Lirac & Tavel

[breakout] Key producers in 2019 Château de Beaucastel Clos des Papes Le Clos du Caillou Domaine de Cristia Château la Nerthe Le Vieux Donjon Value picks Alain Jaume Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge ‘Le Miocène’ 2019 Domaine André Mathieu Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge ‘La Centenaire’ 2019 Domaine de Fontavin Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge ‘Trilogies’ 2019 Domaine Georges-Lombrière Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge ‘Cuvée Marie’ 2019 Réserve Saint Dominique Châteauneuf-du-Pape rouge ‘Crous Saint Martin Hommage à l'An 1879’ 2019 Domaine Julien Masquin Châteauneuf-du-Pape blanc ‘Montplaisir’ 2019 [/breakout] [/subscriber-content] See Matt's top Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2019 tasting notes and scores [wine-collection] See also Rhône 2019 En Primeur: Full report plus top scoring wines Northern Rhône 2019 report plus top scoring wines Southern Rhône 2019 report plus top scoring wines