A bit piny and herbal, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi highlights strawberryish flavors, even a bit of pomegranate. It's medium to full-bodied, but restrained and firm, with the suggestion of stalky tannins and hints of menthol on the finish.

While not as problematic as last year's sample, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi is still only a solid effort. There's still a lifted, herbal quality to the aromas, a taut quality to the red-fruit flavors and an overall lack of generosity on the palate. At least the tannins are silkier than I remember them being—although they still leave a drying impression on the finish.

The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos Du Roi (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre) is a classic, medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated beauty that does well in this first rate vintage. Roasted herbs, scorched earth, black cherry and black currants all emerge from the glass, and it has ripe tannin and good freshness. It’s a big step up over the 2014 and I’m sure it will drink well for a decade.

The 2014 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos Du Roi (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre) is a medium-bodied, lightly texture, simple effort that has light cherry and strawberry fruits, hints of spice, and a clean finish. It’s a good wine in a difficult vintage that’s best drunk in its youth.

The 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Roi offers impressive notes of sweet kirsch and strawberry fruit, dried spices and Proven?al herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied, supple, seamless and lightly textured, it makes the most of the vintage and will drink nicely for 7-8 years. The blend is 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah that was raised in 30% barrel and in 70% concrete tank.