Domaine de la Janasse, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Vieilles Vignes 2015

The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes is a tour de force. Raspberry and apricot-scented fruit, rich chocolate notes and an incredible whirlwind of spice are delivered in this full-bodied wine that shows no heat, just waves of flavor. It should drink well for 20 years or more.

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes shows the finesse of the Cuvée Chaupin, yet adds more richness and depth. Blackcurrants, spice-box, licorice and roasted garrigue all emerge from this rich, full-bodied, exceedingly elegant and finesse-driven beauty. It has building tannin, and a great, great finish, all while playing in the more fresh, elegant style of the vintage.

A powerful wine with neatly matched oak influence adding spicy nuances to ripe blueberry, raspberry and red plum fruits. The palate has suave, velvety tannins that drive long and smooth, with plenty of red plum fruit. Drink now.

(made with 20 percent whole clusters and aged in concrete tanks and demi-muids) Dark ruby. Ripe, smoke-tinged cherry and blueberry compote aromas show excellent clarity, and a peppery element adds spicy lift. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering densely packed yet shockingly lively red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a hint of star anise. Shows superb energy on the broad, seamless, strikingly long finish, which is firmed by supple tannins and sharpened by a kick of juicy acidity.