The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet carries a bit more dark fruit and concentration than the regular bottling, but it remains a silky, fine and elegant wine for drinking over the next decade or so. Subtle toast and vanilla notes frame ripe cherries in this full-bodied yet supple, easy-to-drink wine.

Plush, creamy and supple, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet is a lovely, elegant wine. Cherries and cocoa powder elements are joined by ample spice on the long, intense finish. While already approachable, it should drink well for 15 years or more.

The old vine cuvée 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Etienne Gonnet is mostly Grenache, aged in old demi-muid, that’s made in a graceful, elegant and seamless style. Its dark ruby/semi-transparent color is followed by classic Grenache sweetness of fruit, garrigue, seaweed and crushed-flower-like aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, ripe and yet weightless on the palate, it makes you (me anyways) want to pour another glass. It will have 10-15 years of longevity.

Another outstanding effort is the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet, which displays loads of black currants, licorice, olives, and roasted herbs. Deep, full-bodied flavors, sweet tannin and an attractively sumptuous mouthfeel and a long finish. It should drink beautifully young (as it already is) and evolve for 12-15+ years. This is a strong showing from the children of the Gonnet brothers. They have turned out deliciously fragrant, sexy, plump 2010s that will not be among the longest lasting of wines from Chateauneuf du Pape, but they have exceptional purity, impressive balance, and are all slightly different in style. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, New York, NY; tel. (212) 239-1275

Displaying a deep ruby/garnet hue, the 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Etienne Gonnet offers more garrigue and licorice in a lighter style than I expected. Usually this is a more serious rendition of the regular cuvee, but the 2009 possesses the same weight and texture as the traditional offering. Nevertheless, it is an attractive wine with sweeter, riper fruit in the finish. Enjoy it over the next 7-8 years. Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083