Winsome notes of violet, fur and spice lend complexity to ripe black cherry and mulberry in this wine. It's fleshy and round on the palate but briskly balanced. The finish extends on piquant hints of garrigue and lusciously ripe, integrated tannins. Delightful already it will improve through 2030 and hold further. - ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA

A true gem of a wine, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in as 75% Grenache, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and the balance a mix of permitted varieties. This classic cuvée comes from a multitude of sites throughout the appellation and is partially destemmed and brought up in concrete tanks and demi-muids. Terrific notes of peppery garrigue, new leather, and sweet red and black fruits all give way to a silky, seamless, full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has no hard edges and a great finish. The classic cuvées are so good in 2016, it makes you wonder if the more expensive special cuvées are worth it.

A terrific example of this bottling, the 2016 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Tradition is a blend of 75% Grenache, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and tiny amounts of Cinsault, Counoise and Vaccarèse. About 40% was destemmed in this textbook vintage, the fruit coming from 40 different parcels around the appellation. Floral and raspberry notes emerge on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied but silky textured, ending on subtle shadings of Provence herbs and licorice. It's a relative bargain that's easy to drink now, but it should easily go a decade or more in a cool cellar. - Joe Czerwinski

Ripe and focused, with a beam of raspberry puree and plum compote that is carried by mouthwatering red licorice and singed apple wood notes. A bright blast of tobacco and floral details run through the finish, with fresh acidity pulling the elements along. Best from 2020 through 2030. – JM