Tasted out of bottle, the 2019 Châteauneuf Du Pape is a stunning example of this estate as well as the vintage. Gorgeous kirsch, flowery incense, spice box, and garrigue-like notes define the nose, and it hits the palate with classic Clos des Papes elegance and finesse backed up by a great mid-palate, fabulous concentration, and a monster of a finish. Don’t miss this beauty. It can be enjoyed today with incredible pleasure or cellared for two decades.

This is a stunner, offering a gorgeous core of black tea–infused cassis, plum reduction and raspberry puree flavors. Additional black licorice, black tea and incense notes emerge alongside the fruit on the long, lush, seductive finish, which is harnessed by a graphite frame. A very confidently rendered wine. Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. Best from 2024 through 2040. 10,000 cases made, 700 cases imported. — JM

One of the wines of the vintage, Avril's 2019 Châteauneuf-du-Pape turned out beautifully. It wafts from the glass with pronounced aromas of predominantly red fruits, black cherry, garrigue, white pepper and crushed rocks, giving it a ferrous-like twist. On the palate, it is full-bodied, rich, built like a brick wall and possesses staggering intensity, concluding with a powerful finish. NG