The 1998 Chateauneuf du Pape exhibits a saturated purple color as well as a terrific nose of black fruits intermixed with licorice. Sweet (from ripeness, not sugar), this deep, intensely concentrated, full-bodied wine explodes at the back of the palate revealing copious quantities of glycerin, extract, and the vintage's fabulous ripeness. The tannin is buried under the lavish fruit, glycerin, and overall intensity. Anticipated maturity: 2001-2015. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (843) 497-8625

The 1997 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Classique reveals an evolved medium plum color, a sweet, spicy, cherry-scented nose, good fruit, medium body, and a pleasing, pure, elegant, spicy finish. It is ideal for drinking over the next several years. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625

The dark plum-colored 1996 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Classique reveals an intriguing minty, eucalyptus, spicy, peppery nose. It is a forward, weedy, round, richly fruity wine that will require consumption during its first 5-7 years of life. The pronounced Provencal character is strongly stated in this wine. There are two Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees produced at this excellent estate situated in the northern section of the appellation, not far from Chateau Beaucastel. The regular cuvee is a softer, fruitier wine that is meant to be drunk young. The Cuvee La Cote Ronde, made from a 5-acre parcel of 70-95-year old vines, is given a lengthier fermentation/maceration, and aged for 18 months, with 50% of the production kept in new oak casks for 12 months and then assembled. Autard has produced very fine wines over recent years.Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625

The 1995 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Classique's dark ruby/plum color is followed by a tight but intriguing nose of green peppercorns, herbes de Provence, and black cherries. The wine starts off lean, but blossoms to reveal medium body, ripe fruit, good acidity, and fine grip. Although not one of the stars of the vintage, it is a well-made Chateauneuf du Pape to drink over the next 7-8 years. There are two Chateauneuf du Pape cuvees produced at this excellent estate situated in the northern section of the appellation, not far from Chateau Beaucastel. The regular cuvee is a softer, fruitier wine that is meant to be drunk young. The Cuvee La Cote Ronde, made from a 5-acre parcel of 70-95-year old vines, is given a lengthier fermentation/maceration, and aged for 18 months, with 50% of the production kept in new oak casks for 12 months and then assembled. Autard has produced very fine wines over recent years. Importer: New Castle Imports, Myrtle Beach, SC; tel. (803) 497-8625