2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Tradition

Always among the most elegant examples of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, regardless of vintage, the 2015s here show a more broad-shouldered character than usual, which is no surprise given the vintage. That said, they still stood out in my tastings for their fresh fruit and relatively light touch, much as was the case in other recent warm vintages like 2009 and even torrid years like 2007 and 2003. In fact, one could argue that those vintages favor owner/winemaker Jean-Marie Royer’s style as the wines’ typical spiciness and intense fruit character is amplified by the increased ripeness of the fruit. These are Châteauneufs for Burgundy lovers and, in fact, I have fooled more than a few avid Burgophiles with cooler vintage Royers like the ‘04s, 06s and ‘08s over the last few years into thinking that they were drinking Pinot Noir, such is the vibrant red fruit character and florality of those bottlings.