This sultry red offers high-toned and very pure flavors of fresh raspberry, linzer torte and cherry licorice, gilded with grilled herbs, bacon and smoked apple wood. Edged in iron, the tannins are suave but still keep their shape. Orange peel acidity also brings nice lift to the ripe profile. Grenache and Syrah.

A layered and restrained Chateauneuf-du-Pape with aromas of red berries, spiced cherries, dried thyme and baking spices. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins. Textured and slightly chewy with plenty of berry and chocolate character towards the compact finish.

The entry level release from Chapoutier, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Bernardine (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre) shows the supple, charming, pretty style of the vintage and has medium-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, framboise, and peppery herbs. This rounded, forward, front end-loaded beauty is perfect.