Guillaume Gonnet, 'Bel Ami' Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2021

93 points Jeb Dunnuck
"Beautiful ripe cherry, cassis, ground pepper, and leather notes all emerge from the 2021 Châteauneuf Du Pape Bel Ami, a classic blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, 15% Cinsault, and 10% Syrah that's brought up in a mix of foudre, demi-muid, and concrete tank. With medium-bodied richness, good mid-palate depth, and rock-solid structure, this terrific, balanced 2021 will benefit from just a few years of bottle age and keep for 15 years. It's impressive, especially in the vintage."

92 points  Wine Advocate
"An assemblage of around 10 varieties, sourced from the lieux-dits of Croix de Bois, La Crau and Les Combes, the 2021 Chateauneuf du Pape Bel Ami is about 50% Grenache, with the other largest components being Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Aging is in tank and foudre. The wine is herbal and even a bit sappy on the nose, with mixed berry fruit, while the palate is medium to full-bodied and the structure is provided by silky tannins and crisp acids."

91 points Wine Spectator
"Smoldering in feel, with smoke and incense notes encircling red plum, black pepper and singed garrigue flavors, all wrapped around a spine of iron. This red's tannins are sculpted but hold firm on the svelte finish. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Cinsault. Drink now through 2030. 80,000 cases made, 20,000 cases imported."

Vinous Reverie Notes
Blend: 70 % Grenache, 10 % Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault. Soil Composition: Round pebbles on the surface, sand, clay and limestone soil. Tasting Notes: Soft round tannins, a very elegant wine. Red and black fruit bouquet, (cherries, blackberries), hints of garrigues, christmas cake and peppery spice. A fine wine. This wine will open up beautifully if decantered at least 1 hour before serving. Food Pairing: Provencal Daub, Coq au Vin, Magret de Canard (Duck), charcuterie such as parma ham, spicy sausage and a selection of cheeses, such as comté and beaufort.