The tank-aged 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape is 85% Grenache, with the balance equally divided among Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Scents of ripe cherries and cola spice emerge on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied, concentrated and richly textured, with a long finish marked by softly dusty tannins. Tasted twice (once blind), with the wine at the estate seeming darker and more tannic—and perhaps a bit longer lived—than the red-fruited, silky perception when tasted blind, but both given identical ratings.

The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is a terrific effort from this variable vintage, loaded with rich, ripe flavors of red and purple raspberries, black cherries and oodles of Proven?al herbs. It's full-bodied and nearly creamy in texture, with silky tannins that make a subtle appearance on the licorice-tinged finish. Looking even more concentrated and structured than last year, it should drink well for at least a decade.

With slightly more pronounced tannins than most vintages, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape should be set aside for a year or two and then consumed over the following decade. It offers fresh, vibrant blackberry and blueberry flavors, a full-bodied, velvety-textured palate and a long, tannic finish tinged with orange zest.

Loaded with scents of roses and exotic spices, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a super entry-level effort. It's 85% Grenache aged in concrete, with the balance Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Syrah that's aged in demi-muids. Full-bodied, velvety and long, it delivers opulent black raspberry fruit framed by silky tannins.

The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is a great effort that should be reasonably available. Produced from vines under 30 years old, it's a blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah. There's a tinge of chocolate to the raspberry and licorice flavors but also hints of orange zest, cinnamon and clove. It's full-bodied and lush, with a long finish. There's no need to defer gratification, but it should drink well for at least a decade.