The 2018 vintage did not mark a return to “normal” or at least average rainfall. Rarely has the start of the year been so wet: 4 times more water than over the same period in the very dry 2017 vintage. Temperatures were slightly higher on average.
Winegrowers had to be particularly vigilant against mildew in the spring. Once this delicate period was over, replenished water reserves, a hot, dry summer and mild nights in September enabled harvesting of excellent quality. Quantities remained at the low end of the average range, although higher than in 2017.
The reds ripened earlier. Careful cellar work enabled them to express their full aromatic and phenolic potential. Even with fairly low acidity levels, these well-worked harvests produced well-balanced, fresh wines.
The 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape red wines are lively and silky and joyful. They were, easy to drink when young. They combine fresh red fruit (raspberry and even grenadine) with a hint of spice (ginger and pepper). The 2018 vintage could be described as a “Grenache year” (Ph. Pellaton). Elegant freshness and slightly more moderate power than usual, combined with well-coated tannins, make these wines particularly well-balanced and subtle. The long, full finish suggests good ageing potential.
The 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape white wines are particularly complex and long on the palate. With citrus and exotic fruit aromas and a hint of aniseed, they are always fresh, tasty and well-balanced, with a lovely body that promises good ageing potential.