Ripe pure and racy with mouthwatering anise steeped plum and hoisin sauce notes allied to a terrific graphite spine that carries the very lengthy finish while ganache pepper Turkish coffee and fresh espresso fill in on the back end. Shows the powerful structure and authoritative fruit of the vintage. Best from 2015 through 2030. -J.M.

Also gorgeous, the 2010 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier has a salty, cured meat-like quality that makes you salivate. Rich, full-bodied and concentrated, with ample black raspberry, spring flowers, spice-box, licorice and sappy herbs, it will have 15+ years or more of overall longevity. - Jeb Dunnuck

A step up in terms of size and richness, yet still leaning towards the elegant end of the spectrum, the 2010 Domaine Saint Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Auguste Favier is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Cinsault that is aged in neutral demi-muid. It delivers a smoking bouquet of wild strawberry, blackberry, garrigue, licorice, and exotic spice that flows to a full-bodied, seamless, and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has no hard edges, fantastic freshness, and building tannin on the finish. It is a beautifully fresh 2010 that will be better with a handful of years in the cellar, and drink well for 12-15 years.