The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition features attractive aromas of strawberries, cherries and a bit of garrigue on the nose. From a combination of galets roulés and calcareous sites, this Grenache-dominated blend (80%, with 5% each Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Syrah and Vaccarèse) is full-bodied and sturdy, with touches of alcoholic warmth on the long, spicy finish. It's appealing, but it probably should be consumed in its youth.

The 1997 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition exhibits an evolved medium plum color, and soft, lush, plum, dried cherry fruit intermixed with cedar, fruitcake, and spice aromas. Medium-bodied, round, and forward, it should be consumed over the next 3-4 years. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625

The excellent 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition boasts a dark plum color, sweet, jammy cherry fruit, explosive ripeness on the palate, and a rich, nicely-textured, low acid finish. Drink it over the next 6-7 years. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625

The medium dark ruby-colored 1995 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition offers a fragrant aromatic profile consisting of jammy cherries, smoke, Asian spices, and pepper. Fruity and round, with a kirsch liqueur-like flavor, this medium-bodied, generously-endowed, corpulently-styled Chateauneuf should drink well for 7-8 years, possibly longer. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625