This is loaded with beautifully rendered fig, blackberry and boysenberry confiture flavors that are seamlessly intertwined, while warm fruitcake, melted black licorice and black tea notes chime throughout. The finish ripples with energy, showing finely beaded acidity and a terrific graphite edge. Best from 2020 through 2040. 500 cases made. –JM

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard is a solid step up over the classic cuvée and possesses additional depth and richness. Black raspberries, graphite, leather, and hints of scorched earth all emerge from this full-bodied beauty that has impeccable tannin quality, integrated acidity, and a great finish. It shines for its purity and finesse, has no hard edges, and is impeccably balanced. It too will keep for 10-15 years.

This cuvée seems to be getting less oaky, as only 10% of the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard went into new barrels. The dark plum and cola flavors are still coated with a heavy dusting of baking spices, while the texture is rich and velvety. There's a bit of dried-fruit character and a long but heavy and warm finish, hence my reluctance to rate the wine higher. It's still of excellent quality overall. - Joe Czerwinski