This is lovely right from the start, offering a velvety wave of raspberry compote that's followed by alluring fruitcake, incense, black tea and warned anise notes. Black cherry and dark plum paste notes line the finish, playing a supporting role to the raspberry component. With mouthfeel, length and fruit to burn, what's not to like? Best from 2023 through 2036. – JM

The classic 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape comes from tiny, tiny yields and checks in as 60% Grenache, 15% Each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault that was 70% destemmed and brought up in a mix of used barrels. It's a beautiful, layered wine that delivers the goods, offering loads of black raspberry fruit, notes of spice, garrigue, licorice, and pepper, medium to full body, good acidity, and a great finish. Beautifully balanced, it can be drunk today with incredible pleasure or cellared for 15 years or more.

From yields that averaged just 17 hectoliters per hectare (half the appellation's maximum), the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape contains less Grenache than usual in the blend, being composed of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault. Cola and chocolate notes dominate this full-bodied, silky-textured wine, adding hints of dried spices and licorice on the finish. - Joe Czerwinski