Chante Cigale's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape features low-intensity scents of strawberry compote on the nose, yet it's full-bodied and tannic on the palate. A mainly tank-aged blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, it comes across as neither here nor there, a wine that wants to be muscular and tannic but lacks the underlying material, or a wine that wants to be elegant but lacks the requisite charm and prettiness.

A blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts slightly peppery aromas and mixed red berries on the palate. It's medium to full-bodied, with a silky feel; it just lacks a bit of richness and length on the finish. It should drink well for close to a decade.

The full-bodied 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault. While not quite as good as the stellar 2015, it boasts silky tannins, plenty of cherry fruit and a dusting of ground pepper and allspice on the long finish.

One surprise to emerge from this blind tasting was the super performance of Chante Cigale's 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape. This full-bodied blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault boasts wonderfully supple, creamy tannins, raspberry and cherry fruit, and a dusting of cinnamon and allspice on the long, dusty finish. Bravo!

The 2014 Chateauneuf du Pape is a charming, surprisingly ripe, textured effort in the vintage and is well worth your time and money. Bing cherries, kirsch, roasted herbs and licorice all flow from this medium-bodied, balanced and lengthy 2014 that will drink nicely for at least 5-6 years.