Paul and Vincent Avril, a father and son team, established themselves as one of the finest producers of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Despite being predominantly Grenache, it is reminiscent of an elegant northern Rhône Syrah with the texture of a Pinot. With a medium bodied intensity, it has a beautiful red fruit expression with some savoury notes. Harmony, finesse and elegance are probably the three words that best describe this beauty. One for the cellar.

Very juicy and lively in feel, with pepper, tobacco and bay leaf notes leading the way for a core of raspberry, bitter plum and red currant coulis flavors. The long finish lets the pepper and tobacco notes play out, with pleasant acidity embedded throughout. Very Provençal in feel. Best from 2017 through 2026. 4,000 cases made. –JM

Ten years after the vintage, the 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape is drinking well. Truffle and mushroom-like notes accent cherry fruit, providing ample complexity on the nose—perhaps about at its apogee, although it should continue to drink well for several more years. Produced from tiny yields of just 13 hectoliters per hectare, it's intense and concentrated, finishing long and crisp, with hints of cranberry lingering on the finish. - Joe Czerwinski

From a difficult vintage, the 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is nevertheless upfront and charming, with a cool climate-like feel in its kirsch and darker berry fruits, spice, pepper, and mineral aromas and flavors. It opens up beautifully with time in the glass, is medium-bodied and elegant, and has plenty to love. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.