One of the gems of the vintage is the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina which is as always, a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre. It offers sensational notes of blackberries, ground herbs, white chocolate and an undeniable meatiness (It reminds me of a butcher shop from the south of France) that develops with time in the glass. Full-bodied, perfumed, complex, elegant and layered, it doesn't have the density of the 2016, 2010 or 2007, yet is seamless. Give bottles 4-5 years and enjoy over the following 15+.

A blend of 60% Grenache aged in concrete and 40% Mourvèdre aged in new barriques, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Deus Ex Machina is a modern-day monster. This is rich and powerfully concentrated, loaded with scents of vanilla and baking spices, yet it also possesses masses of red fruit (raspberries, cherries and plums), a wonderfully creamy and intense mid-palate and a long finish. It completely hides its no-doubt considerable alcohol.

Rich but very fresh, with lovely tea and incense notes lifting the core of raspberry, plum and red currant preserve flavors. Light shiso leaf, sanguine and tobacco details on the finish add cut and length. Best from 2020 through 2035. 80 cases imported.

Saturated ruby. A highly perfumed, complex bouquet displays dark berry compote, cherry pit and Indian spice aromas, along with notes of anise and dried lavender. Seamless and spicy on the palate, offering deeply concentrated, sweet blackberry and floral pastille flavors underscored by a spine of smoky minerality. Velvety tannins build slowly on the penetrating finish, which shows superb clarity and power and leaves behind sappy dark berry and allspice notes.