Red-fruited and garrigue-laden, the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Hommage Jacques Perrin is glorious, showing remarkable complexity in its notes of cherries, raspberries and strawberries, all accented by hints of bay leaf, lavender and thyme, plus deeper bass notes of black olives, roasted meat, espresso, star anise and dark chocolate. Full-bodied and intense, it seems to have added structure since last year, with a firm matrix of tannins holding it all together and lingering on the lengthy finish. Put this Mourvdre-based blend (approximately 60%) away for five or more years; it should drink well for a couple of decades beyond that.

99 Points –Decanter

Very darkly coloured indeed. An extraordinarily deep and Mourvdre-heavy fug of a scent; deep, but so fresh and searching. It’s not overly full-bodied or heavy. Great surging acidity. It’s tannic and will take a long time to soften, but promises great freshness and a long life – don’t open too young. Drinking window: 2033-2050.