Boutiniere's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is an assemblage of 70% Grenache and 10% each Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah, aged mostly in foudre (30% spent time in demi-muids). Blended from a few different soil types, it offers up scents of black cherries, cola and dried spices on the nose. In the mouth, it's medium to full-bodied, balancing silky ease with just enough firmness and focus. It should drink well for up to a decade.

The 2009 Chateauneuf du Pape reveals an evolved medium ruby color with considerable lightening at the edge as well as a spicy, peppery, earthy, sassafras and loamy soil-scented bouquet with vague notions of strawberries and cherries. It has adequate concentration, and is best drunk over the next 3-4 years. In the past, La Boutiniere’s wines have never been serious enough to merit a recommendation, but it appears things are improving. No known American importer.

The regular cuvee is soft, commercial and easygoing.

The regular cuvee is soft, commercial and easygoing.