2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts-Lieux la Vieille Julienne

Coming from a higher elevation, cooler terroir and limestone soils, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Hauts Lieux is a total rock star in the vintage and checks in as a blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre and the balance Counoise and Cinsault, which was aged all in foudre. Harvested very late (and this estate normally harvests on the early side) and not wrapping up until October, it possesses gorgeous purity, with mineral-tinged aromas of blackberry, currants, licorice, ground herbs and violets all soaring from the glass. An all-around powerful, structured and rich 2011, with a full-bodied mouthfeel, terrific acidity and big tannin, it will be one of the longest- lived wines in the vintage. Give it 2-3 years in the cellar, and drink bottles through 2026. Drink 2017-2026.

Offers a sleek, racy feel, with an ample core of raspberry pâte de fruit, plum sauce and licorice notes allied to a graphite spine. The long finish oozes spice while maintaining a solid tug of earth. Best from 2015 through 2025.- J.M.