The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet is full-bodied, broad, expansive and generous on the palate. A blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah mostly from sandy sites and aged mostly in foudre, it's over 16% alcohol yet shows no trace of heat or over-ripeness, with fresh, almost minty notes accenting ripe blackberries and black cherries on the nose and a long, silky finish that hints at cola and spice.

Scents of sun-warmed stones, asphalt and black olives emerge on the nose of the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet. Full-bodied, savory and complex, with flavors of dark, plummy fruit, hints of roasted meat and dried spices, it's supple in feel and long on the finish.

The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, with much of the Grenache being 100+ years old. It's dark and plummy but still marked by attractive florals on the nose. Full-bodied, creamy textured and plush, it's weighty and rich, with great richness and length on the finish. Remarkably, despite reaching 15.8% alcohol, it shows no heat on the palate.

With all of its power and richness, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape La Cuvee du Papet is a huge step above the regular bottling. Subtle cinnamon dusts slices of stone fruit and ripe cherries on the nose, but this is an old-school, savory wine with plenty of tannic bite that deserves some time in the cellar so that peppery licorice complexities can emerge.