The 2015 Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Barbe Rac comes from a single vineyard on the western side of the appellation. Made from 100% Grenache and brought up all in concrete tank, it offers a gorgeous bouquet of strawberry jam, garrigue, pepper and dried meat. Full-bodied, powerful, elegant and seamless on the palate, with a savory, layered, complex profile, give bottles 3-4 years and enjoy over the following 10-15.

Very silky and refined, but with ample depth and drive, as the core of kirsch, plum sauce and raspberry coulis flavors is focused and lengthy, while light tea, incense, mineral and shiso leaf notes dart throughout. The long finish has well-embedded, latent grip. Should cruise in the cellar. Best from 2020 through 2040.

The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is 100% Grenache, but this parcel is located on the western edge of the appellation, in what Chapoutier describes as a hot, dry location-even in the context of the appellation. From vines planted in 1901-1902, this is a dense, plummy wine, oozing with concentrated fruit and even turning a bit fudge-like on the long, supple finish. I don't expect it to age quite as well as the Croix de Bois, but it's still a thrilling wine.

Lurid ruby. An explosively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red berries, candied lavender, incense and Asian spices. Concentrated raspberry, cinnamon, floral pastille and rhubarb flavors stain the palate and show an alluring sweetness and strong energy on the back half. Plays power off finesse with a deft hand and finishes extremely long and spicy; well-knit tannins make a late appearance.