This vintage seemed to produce exactly what the team at Cellier des Princes needed, and the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Heredita-crafted with the advice of consultant Philippe Cambie-boasts lovely floral aromas backed by layers of ripe black cherries. A blend of 90% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah, it's full-bodied, silky and expansive without excess weight, a real beauty. Yes, it's on the ripe, almost plum and chocolate side of things, but it retains a sense of weightlessness and terrific length that's hard to top.

Deep ruby-red. Expressive, smoke- and mineral- accented raspberry, cherry-cola, exotic spice and floral aromas show fine delineation and pick up a licorice nuance with air. Sweet and broad in the mouth, offering concentrated red and dark berry liqueur, fruitcake and lavender flavors that show energetic back-end lift. The long, sappy finish features a resonating cherry note and polished tannins that sneak in late.