I'd put the 2018 Chateauneuf du Barbe Rac up against anything in this vintage. Coming from 100% Grenache brought up all in concrete, it reveals a deeper purple/ruby color as well as awesome notes of red and blue fruits, ground pepper, iodine, spring flowers, and a touch of gamey meat. Possessing more depth and concentration than most, it's full-bodied, has a stacked mid-palate, silky tannins, and a big, big finish.

The 2018 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac has turned out beautifully. Stunning aromas of red raspberries and black cherries, crushed stone and even a hint of roses emerge on the nose, while the full-bodied palate is expansive and silky, ending in a flurry of gently dusty tannins that only further accentuate this wine's fruity depths. Although approachable now, it should drink well for more than a decade.

Blackberry, black currant and plum fruit is gently mulled, carried by silky tannins and infused with anise, black tea, warm earth and a flicker of tar at the very end. Seductive in feel, but there's some horsepower under the hood, so no rush here.