The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape is a great effort that should be reasonably available. Produced from vines under 30 years old, it's a blend of 85% Grenache, 5% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah. There's a tinge of chocolate to the raspberry and licorice flavors but also hints of orange zest, cinnamon and clove. It's full-bodied and lush, with a long finish. There's no need to defer gratification, but it should drink well for at least a decade. (JC)

Vivid ruby. Lively, sharply focused red berry, floral pastille and Asian spice scents, along with suggestions of garrigue and smoky minerals. Sweet, focused and seamless in texture, offering intense raspberry, spicecake and lavender flavors that deepen slowly on the back half. Clings with real authority on the subtly tannic finish, leaving a suave floral note behind. This is an outstanding example of a 'basic' Châteauneuf. (JR)

Moving to the 2015s, these all showed elegant, lively profiles and will age gracefully. Ferrando's base cuvée is the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape and it's a blend of 85% Grenache and 5% each of Syrah, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre, raised all in tank. Kirsch, framboise, dried flowers and spice all emerge from this classic, charming, impeccably balanced beauty. It shows the house style in its perfume and elegance, yet has terrific fruit intensity as well. It's a no-brainer purchase.