2015 Châteaneuf-du-Pape Charles Giraud Rouge Famille Isabel Ferrando (St. Prefert)

Polished, darkly fruited nose with some subtle, ingrained wood spice. Full-bodied, highly concentrated wine with a serious payload of super-fine tannin. It coats the mouth with tannin and fruit. Balanced, with a very long finish. Very elegant, very Châteauneuf. The wines of Saint Préfert are excellent throughout the range, and consistently so. 2019-2045.

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Collection Charles Giraud checks in as the normal blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre. It offers more roasted meats and spice aromatics, as well as gorgeous red and black fruits, full-bodied richness, building, ripe tannin and a balanced, seamless style. It's a big wine, yet stays graceful and pure, with a great finish. It will be at its best from 2020-2030.

The blend of the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud is 60% Grenache and a hefty 40% Mourvèdre. Yes, it's chocolaty ripe, but it also boasts enlivening hints of thyme and rosemary along with brighter notes of cherries. The tannins are powerful yet supple, giving this big wine a sense of velvety elegance on the lengthy finish. Wow. 2020 - 2035.

Gorgeous, starting off with warm ganache and Turkish coffee aromas, followed by dense, fleshy layers of fig cake, steeped plum and warm blackberry confiture. Shows lots of juicy energy through the finish, with anise and singed juniper accents adding range. Cellar first, then enjoy the smoke show. Best from 2020 through 2045. From France.-J.M.