Still not bottled when I tasted it late last year, Autard's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape offers slightly bruised, plummy fruit, slathered with cedar. Dark, oaky and dense, with a rough, tannic feel and a long, vanilla-laden finish, it's not my cup of tea. The blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, aged in barrels for 17 months, with half in new oak.

The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape has the same proportions as the C?tes du Rh?ne, being 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, but it is aged in barriques. Notes of cedar and wood spice do creep in on the nose, adding a bit of complexity to the black cherry fruit. There's a hint of leather on the palate, which is medium to full-bodied, but nicely ripe and supple without going over the top. Overall, it's contained and composed, with more fruit coming out with air and on the silky finish. Drink it over the next 5–7 years.

Having aged in 20% new barriques, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape comes across rather dry and woody, with overtones of menthol and cedar. There's ample weight and richness underneath the oak, and this blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre does turn appealingly spicy on the finish, so perhaps it just needs a bit of time to absorb the wood. I just wouldn't bet on it being a long ager.

Autard's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape features soft, dusty tannins and attractive notes of roasted cherries, thyme, leather and fresh raspberries. It's medium to full-bodied, with hints of orange zest that leave behind a crisp impression on the finish.

A classic blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape underwent élevage in new barriques. Oaky cedar and spice notes dominate this medium to full-bodied wine, which ends on lingering notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice.