An intense red, with cascading flavors of dark fig, cassis, blackberry pâte de fruit and plum sauce, underscored by notes of dark licorice and ganache. The long finish features lots of black tea and graphite accents, while a dusting of cocoa powder adds texture. Best from 2015 through 2030. 2,000 cases made. –JM

Made from 40% Grenache, 35% Mourvedre and 25% Syrah, the 2012 Châteauneuf du Pape is a pretty, elegant example of this cuvée. Always a selection of the best parcels and aged in a combination of concrete and barrels (20% being new), it offers plenty of black cherry, blackberry, licorice and garrigue-like qualities to go with a medium to full-bodied, focused and nicely concentrated feel on the palate. While it’s not a blockbuster, it excels on its purity, balanced and focus. It should drink nicely through 2024. - Jeb Dunnuck