Looking much improved from my previous tasting, Bertrand Gonnet's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Lieu Dit les Combes showcases briary, herbal notes backed by black cherries, blackberries and blueberries. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, this blend of roughly 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Cinsault, Mourvèdre and Muscardin is also ripe and velvety on the palate, with a long, plush finish. It's a terrific effort from this recently refurbished property. - JC

92+ Top-notch red and black fruits, graphite, roasted herbs, and peppery notes all emerge from the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape Lieu Dit Les Combes, a rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated 2019 that has the vintage’s opulent yet structured style. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age to shed some tannins, but it’s impressive.