A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, grown on classic clay-and-galets soils, 60% of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Barberini spent time in barriques or demi-muids, with the rest in concrete. Despite the elevage, it's not overtly toasty or cedary on the nose, offering up hints of café au lait and clove atop a base of black cherries and plums. Medium to full-bodied, it's concentrated and yet also restrained, staying focused and tight in style, then finishing with super length and freshness.