The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah and Counoise aged in old small oak barrels) is a smoky, spicy effort revealing abundant notes of barbecue, garrigue, black cherries and black currants. This ripe, generously-endowed, upfront 2008 is ideal for consuming over the next 6-8 years. I was surprised that Paul Autard chose to make all three of his cuvees in 2008, but when you taste the wines out of bottle, you can see how successful this estate was. Represented by Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082; various American importers

The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape (70% Grenache and the rest equal parts Syrah and Counoise aged in old small oak barrels) is a smoky, spicy effort revealing abundant notes of barbecue, garrigue, black cherries and black currants. This ripe, generously-endowed, upfront 2008 is ideal for consuming over the next 6-8 years. I was surprised that Paul Autard chose to make all three of his cuvees in 2008, but when you taste the wines out of bottle, you can see how successful this estate was.Represented by Russell Herman, Berkeley Heights, NJ; tel. (908) 771-9082; various American importers