94-96 Josh Raynolds - Vinous Media

"Deep magenta. Intensely perfumed, mineral-tinged raspberry and cherry preserve scents are complicated by garrigue and Moroccan spice nuances. Juicy and appealingly sweet, displaying fleshy red fruit liqueur, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Smoothly balances richness and energy and finishes extremely long and sappy, with smooth, harmonious tannins and a strong echo of candied flowers."

93-95+ Jeb Dunnuck - jebdunnuck.com

"While I’m normally able to taste the Châteauneuf Du Pape from multiple foudres and varying blends, due to the dismal yields, the final blend of the 2018 was already made and resting in foudre. The 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape will be a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah and other permitted varieties, which is a lot more Mourvèdre than normal, and it shows in the wine. Beautiful red and blue fruits, spice, ground pepper, and cured meat notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with notable concentration (especially in this vintage), terrific balance, and ultra-fine yet certainly present tannins. It’s not going to match the 2016 or 2017, but it’s an elegant, beautiful, classic Clos des Papes in the making."

92-95 Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is approximately 50% Mourvèdre, with most of the rest being Grenache and a smattering of other varieties. It's strongly red fruited, with raspberries and cranberries most apparent, accented by hints of orange zest and Asian spices. Full-bodied and silky in texture, it's deceptively easy to drink given what must be substantial alcohol."