Domaine Jean Royer Chateauneuf du Pape

Domaine Jean Royer is a Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate whose family has worked the appellation since the 1700s, though the current domaine was only formalized in 1985. They farm 5 hectares within the appellation and produce several red cuvees; the Tradition bottling -- typically 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre and 5% Cinsault -- is the house's classic, everyday expression of the appellation, full-bodied and Grenache-forward with real garrigue character. The house style stays consistent vintage to vintage: silky, spicy, and built for the table, not the cellar. Black raspberry, toasted spice, pepper and garrigue -- Provencal herbs, brush and stone -- lead the nose. Full-bodied and seamless on the palate, with silky tannins and upfront, generous fruit.