2023 Clos Saint Jean Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge, Southern Rhône Valley, France

Deep ruby-garnet with a vivid, youthful rim. The nose is expressive: ripe red cherry, kirsch, and black raspberry layered with Provençal garrigue, cracked black pepper, dried thyme, and hints of bacon fat and mocha. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, round, and lush, with a core of ripe pit fruits, warm stone, and polished tannins that gain structure with aeration. Acidity is firm and provides a steadying spine through the mid-palate. The finish is long and sustained, with spice and red fruit persisting well after the wine has left the glass.