Camphor and smoked tea subtly accent black currant and cherry in this blend of Grenache (50%), Syrah (25%), Mourvédre (15%) and Cinsault (10%). While full in feel and concentrated, it's a fruit-focused, immediately enjoyable expression of this domaine at peak now through 2030. ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA

Saturated garnet. Aromas of ripe red fruit, pungent flowers and garrigue are joined by a spicy nuance as the wine opens up. Broad and sappy in the mouth, offering spice-accented cherry and raspberry flavors and a smoky mineral overtone. Finishes long, appealingly sweet and smooth, with repeating cherry and floral notes and supple tannins lending shape and subtle grip. -- Josh Raynolds

Solidly built, with red licorice threads wrapped around a core of steeped plum and concentrated raspberry compote flavors. Apple wood and garrigue hints streak the finish, with the fruit keeping pace. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2023 through 2033. – JM

Moving to the reds and based on 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and Counoise, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape shows the vintage beautifully with its upfront, Provençal, incredibly charming personality. Loaded with ripe cherry and more red berry fruits as well as plenty of peppery garrigue and spice, it’s medium-bodied and has light tannins, terrific overall balance, and a great finish. It’s already impossible to resist, and I suspect it will be best enjoyed over the coming 10-12 years.

Solitude's 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape is 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Cinsault, aged in a combination of barriques, demi-muids, foudres and concrete (only one-fourth went into wood). For the vintage, it shows a fair bit of structure, with fine-grained tannins framing notes of black cherries, dark chocolate and various dried spices. Medium to full-bodied, it's not the biggest wine of the vintage but is a nicely balanced, reasonably traditional example of Châteauneuf du Pape. - JC