The 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape les Hesperides is a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre from a parcel of vines in les Bédines, planted in the 1950s. Aged mainly in tank (20% went into demi-muids), it features scents of raspberries, blackberries and plums, plus plenty of dried spices. Full-bodied and creamy-supple on the palate, it turns velvety on the long, intense finish. Nicely done.

A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre, the 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape les Hesperides comes from a north-facing slope in the lieu-dit of les Bédines. Dominated by red-fruit flavors, the aromas suggest strawberries, raspberries and cherries, then fold in hints of orange zest, garrigue and cumin. Full-bodied yet not at all heavy or over-extracted, this is a silken beauty, melding together supple tannins and ripe acids to support a complex weave of flavors that linger elegantly on the finish.

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape les Hesperides is a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre from the Les Bédines lieu-dit that's aged in a combination of demi-muids and stainless steel. It comes across as slightly green and herbal at first, then adds stone fruit and dark chocolate notes. Full-bodied and silky in texture, it's an intriguing wine and well worth a try.

I was disappointed by the showing of the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape les Hesperides, a 50-50 blend of Grenache and Mourvèdre that's aged in a combination of demi-muids and stainless steel. Firm tannins frame baked, pruney fruit flavors, so if you're more forgiving of those, you may like it more than I did.

All of the special cuvées from this estate are stellar in 2015. The 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape les Hesperides is 50% Grenache and 50% Mourvèdre, from the sand and safre soils of the Les Bedines lieu-dit. With 20% of the wine aged in demi-muids, you may be able to detect some subtle hints of vanilla and baking spices, but what's more remarkable is the combination of nectarine and plum fruit, rich, velvety tannins and the long, layered, chocolaty finish that shows no sign of alcoholic heat.