Kirsch, black cherries, spicy garrigue, and sappy flower-like aromatics all shine in the 2023 Chateauneuf Du Pape La Bernardine, based on 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Mourvedre. I love its vibrancy, purity, and complexity. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, and seamless on the palate, it pushes on the ripeness scale yet holds it together with velvety tannins, ample mid-palate depth, and outstanding length. Drink bottles over the coming 8-10 years.

Expressive raspberry and strawberry jam plus a flicker of licorice introduce the 2023 Chateauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine, a totally juicy, sweet-tasting and smoothly textured red that's going to deliver considerable pleasure right out of the gate.