Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis Domaine de Saint Prefert 2018 (750ML)

97 Points, Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "At the risk of not being literal enough, tasting Isabel Ferrando's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Colombis is like drinking purple flowers. Deep rose and violet notes are seamlessly joined to purple raspberries in a full-bodied wine that seems almost weightless on the palate. There's terrific inner-mouth perfume, near-ethereal tannins that support the wine's girth via a taut, gossamer structure, and a finish tinged with star anise and black cherries that just won't quit. A tour de force of pure Grenache, it should drink well for a decade, perhaps longer." 09/20

95 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Shimmering ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe, spice-tinged red/blue fruits, potpourri and incense, and a smoky mineral nuance builds in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energy to the sappy black raspberry, boysenberry, spicecake and floral pastille flavors, which are braced by a spine of juicy acidity. Impressively lithe for its heft, finishing on a gently tannic note, with fine delineation and floral lift." 10/21

95 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "This is a beauty, with a seductive display of Turkish coffee, singed alder, steeped plum and warmed anise aromas and flavors that move in unison, backed by a subtle garrigue note through the finish. A late echo of warm earth adds a finishing touch. Best from 2021 through 2037. 3,720 cases made." 12/20

94 Points, Matt Walls, Decanter: "Introspective for now on the nose; blackberries, liquorice and sage, but promising on the palate – good sense of intensity and freshness. Very well balanced, harmonious, upright and sparky. Not long, but a great burst of flavour. The alcohol is high, but it's warming rather than hot. Made by Isabel Ferrando of Domaine Saint Préfert. Grown on mostly sandy soils in the Colombis lieu-dit, no destemming." 02/21

97 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "Tasted from bottle, the 2018 Châteauneuf du Pape Colombis comes from a single lieu-dit and is 100% Grenache brought up all in demi-muids. I thought it could be the wine of the vintage last year, and it’s certainly not far off, offering a sensational bouquet of Provençal garrigue, ground pepper, spiced meat, and red and black fruits. Reminding me of a slightly toned-down version of the 2007, it’s full-bodied and has a beautifully layered, elegant texture, sweet tannins, and a gorgeous finish. The 2018s do not get much better than this, and this beauty can be drunk any time over the coming 15 years or more." 10/20