While the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul does show a touch of oak influence on the nose, it also shows more freshness and energy than the regular cuvée. All Grenache, all whole cluster and aged in used demi-muids, there are waves of ripe raspberries and black cherries, drizzled with dark chocolate and spice. Full-bodied and velvety, it's a big, plush, welcoming mouthful of super ripe Grenache that avoids going completely over the top.