The quintessential expression of the Burgundian style that Paul-Vincent Avril strives to achieve at this estate, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Clos des Papes is immediately attractive and approachable, wafting from the glass with an entrancing bouquet of rose, lilac, spices and a Pinot-like delicacy that sets it apart from its peers. Medium- to full-bodied, round and juicy, it's open and silky, with a pure, ethereal core of fruit and a long, seamless finish of remarkable refinement. -Yohan Castaing

This has a drop-dead gorgeous core of cassis and raspberry pâte de fruit flavors that holds center stage but still allows notes of Lapsang souchong tea, anise, incense and shiso leaf to chime in. Very long, with a sublime feel through the mineral-tinged finish. So seductive already, but this will cruise in the cellar. Drink now through 2040. From France. — J.M.

There's a touch of old Pinot Noir to the aroma, before a rich and voluptuous palate showing raspberry and strawberry fruit. Quite evolved already, the tannins are very fine and the finish gently warming. A lovely, complex and succulent wine, with no excesses.

Elegance, purity of fruit, silky tannins and the ability to harness power, concentration, and freshness, keeping everything in balance is what takes place here. Perhaps this is the most consistent wine of the appellation for the past 5 decades. But I digress. This is really a fabulous, sensuous, sexy wine, with velvet textured tannins and ripe, sweet red fruits and spice that does not want to quit. The wine was made using 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and the remaining 5% consists of various, allowable grape varieties. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2015+Clos+des+Papes

Tasted on three separate occasions, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Paul-Vincent is a classic, elegant, and incredibly complex style of wine reminiscent of a Grand Cru Red Burgundy (Chambolle-Musigny?). Black raspberries, blueberries, incense, pine resin, dried orange and exotic floral notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, ethereally textured 2015 that has moderate tannin, beautiful purity, and a seamless finish. I compared this to an improved 2005 last year when I tasted it from barrel, but I’m not sure that comparison holds today, and I struggle to come up with another similar vintage. Nevertheless, this is a beautiful wine that should be at its best from 2020-2030+.

Impressive and bright mixed summer berry and spiced cherry fruits on the nose in a vibrant, alluringly complex style. The palate delivers succulently ripe red cherry and plum fruit flavors. Plenty of weight. Gently warm and spicy finish. Drink from 2020.