2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Val de Dieu

A traditional blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre and aged predominantly in demi-muids, the 2015 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Val de Dieu is richly tannic yet plush, marked by its stay in oak. Vanilla and baking spices abound, yet they blend readily with the mixed-berry fruit and velvety texture. It's approachable now if you're partial to vanilla, berries and cream, but I expect it to develop some more savory characters within a few years. Oct 2017, www.robertparker.com