2015 Chateauneuf du Pape

One of my favorite straight Châteauneufs was this effort from Saint Siffrein. The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape boasts remarkable ripeness and power without any heat, incredibly pure raspberries and stone fruit, rich, velvety tannins that never seem obtrusive and a long, intense finish. It's a classic blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and foudres. It should drink well on release and possess at least 15 years of longevity.

Bright ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of ripe red and blue fruits take on floral and peppery spice notes as the wine opens up. Silky and expansive on the palate, showing very good depth as well as energy and back-end lift. Leaves notes of candied flowers and allspice behind on the gently gripping, subtly tannic, very persistent finish.

Bois Lauzon, Cabrières (north), Palestor. pH 3.8, TA 3.13 g/l. 5% Cinsault, 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah. Partial whole bunch. Vinified in cement tank. Aged for 12 months in 60% foudre, 40% stainless steel. Tasted blind. Dark garnet. Lightly chemical on the nose. Then broad and beefy. Already quite evolved – without massive tannins in evidence. Good for beefy short-term pleasure? Hint of yeast extract. (JR)