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. Drink now through 2035.

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 for drinking over the coming 7-8 years or more.