Giraud's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape—a mainly tank-aged blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre—is full-bodied and plush, a velvety-textured whirl of black cherries, blackberries and raspberries that finishes long, with touches of white pepper and alcoholic warmth. At the domaine's 35-euro price, it's a solid value that should drink well for more than a decade. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

Loaded with clean, ripe, succulent red fruit, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is a mélange of raspberries and cherries borne on a supple, creamy-textured, full-bodied palate. While not overly complex, it's whole lot of fun to drink, a thrill ride of berries with just enough spice to add a savory component to the finish.

Coming in (rating-wise) right where I projected it would last year, Giraud's 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a terrific example of a cuvée tradition. At 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, it's a pretty typical blend yet one that exceeds expectations. It's full-bodied, plush and velvety, showing ample ripeness—raspberries, cherries, and stone fruit—without going over the top into cooked fruit. No, it doesn't show that much complexity at this age, but some of that will emerge over the next decade or so.

Made from 50- to 80-year-old vines, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape offers tremendous purity for an entry-level cuvée. Pine and rosemary notes accent bright cherry fruit in this full-bodied, creamy textured and lush example of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. The assemblage is 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. Enjoy it over the next decade.