VIEUX TELEGRAPHE CHAT DU PAPE LA CRAU 2015 750ML

This has a lovely, perfumy mix of savory, mint, tobacco, blood orange, cherry and bergamot notes all mixed together, carried by silky but ample structure before ending with a long, mineral- and shiso leaf—infused finish. Finely beaded acidity lets everything hang wonderfully. This should expand and cruise in the cellar.

The flagship wine, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape, is a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties. It features delicate floral scents and ample cherry and licorice aromas. Somehow, it manages to be full-bodied and almost creamy in texture but without much weight, then it ends powerfully, with a flourish of rich Mexican chocolate on the long, silky finish.

A sunny year, but this isn't as deep in color as some other recent vintages. Distinctly eucalyptus, fresh thyme, rosemary and licorice. It's full-bodied but remarkably cooling and fresh on the palate. Long, with good fruit into the length and a little black tea on the finish. Rounded, spherically shaped. Remarkably good for the vintage, not excessive or overly alcoholic. Ready now, just starting to take on some interest, but the best is yet to come.

Brilliant ruby-red. A fragrant nose evokes ripe red and dark berries, musky flowers, licorice and white pepper, and a smoky mineral overtone adds vivacity. Juicy and concentrated in the mouth, offering gently sweet cherry, cassis and floral pastille flavors that spread out steadily on the back half. Closes chewy, sweet and very long, with building tannins adding shape and grip. I really like the blend of structure and fruit here.