A blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, matured in a combination of demi-muids and concrete tanks, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Empire is supple, creamy and lush, loaded with ripe cherries and stone fruit, with a subtle kiss of vanilla. It's less obviously tannic than the Terre d'Ancetre bottling, with better balance and more harmony. Top-notch stuff.