The 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape Signature is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah, Vaccarese and Cinsault that offers lots of kirsch and black cherry nuances with more background notes of scorched earth, creamy licorice and spring flowers. Hitting 15% natural alcohol, it has fabulous density on the palate, medium to full-bodied richness, sweet tannin and good acidity. It’s a rockin’ effort in this difficult vintage.

Both 2013 and 2014 are solid vintages for winemaker Julien Barrot, with 2014 being slightly more successful. As of 2015, Julien will now be making his wines at a brand new winery located just across the street from Clos des Pape, in the southern part of the village.