2015 Domaine de la Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes

(made with 20 percent whole clusters and aged in concrete tanks and demi-muids) Dark ruby. Ripe, smoke-tinged cherry and blueberry compote aromas show excellent clarity, and a peppery element adds spicy lift. Juicy and focused on the palate, offering densely packed yet shockingly lively red and blue fruit and floral pastille flavors and a hint of star anise. Shows superb energy on the broad, seamless, strikingly long finish, which is firmed by supple tannins and sharpened by a kick of juicy acidity. Review Date: March 2017

The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes checks in as 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault, with 30% whole cluster. Its ruby/opaque color is following by terrific notes of cassis, cracked pepper, licorice and distinct minerality. Full-bodied, concentrated and with building tannin, it shows the more finesse-driven style of all of the 2015s, has fine tannin and a great finish. Review Date: October 2016