John Livingstone-Learmonth (THE leading Rhone expert and specialist since the 1970s) rates this 2019 Plan de Dieu the finest ever, saying:
Dark red; the bouquet sits tight, close-knit, is based on a depth of black fruit, blackberry jam in implication. It’s a sun-filled opening, as is the palate, that comes with a suave depth, a consistent delivery of well packed content, notes of mulberry on the pebbly finish, the tannins there still young. This is real STGT Plan de Dieu, a traditional wine that has been well handled, its spiced depth lasting, the length persistent, well filled.
Not only did he give this vintage his top rating; he designated it one of his STGT selections. Which stands for “Soil to Glass Transfer.” Which means it’s the real thing. (Other STGT wines include Chave Hermitage and Clape Cornas.)
He actually prefers it to Martin’s Rasteau, which sells for $30. But then, the wines from the rugged Plan de Dieu (so named because those who traversed it in the Middle Ages were said to put their fates in God’s hands) can often equal or surpass the more famous and expensive appellations.
Indeed, he rates this above most of the over 500 Chateauneuf-du-Papes he reviewed in 2019! (Including some quite famous and expensive names.)