All Grenache, the 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes matured in a mix of demi-muids and barriques, with about one-third new oak. Faint herbal notes and nuance to this wine's cedar, vanilla and black cherry flavors. It's full-bodied, concentrated and reasonably tannic, but it finishes silky and fine. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

I failed to discern a qualitative difference between the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes (pure Grenache) and the 2018 Renaissance (which includes 40% Mourvèdre). This wine features bold cherry flavors, hints of cedar and vanilla from new oak and is full-bodied and velvety on the palate, with a long finish. No doubt further differences will emerge by next year, but for now, between these two wines, let's call it a push.

Possessing more concentration and richness than the other Cristia cuvées, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes—sourced from 95-year-old Grenache vines in the Cristia lieu-dit—combines hints of cedar and vanilla from the barrels in which it matured with ripe raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied and intensely flavored, it delivers those things without any sense of heaviness, remaining fresh, silky and elegant from boldly aromatic start to long, nuanced finish. Yum!

The pure Grenache 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes reached 16.5% alcohol yet carries it really well, showing just a trace of warmth. Cola, cedar and black cherry notes lead into a plush, full-bodied wine with supple tannins and remarkable length. Although it may age past a decade, there's no real reason to defer gratification.