2018 Margerum M5

The Southern Rhône-like blend from this estate, the 2018 M5 checks in as 47% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 9% Mourvèdre, and the rest equal parts Counoise and Cinsault. Deep purple-colored, with notes of mulled black cherries, black raspberries, ground pepper, licorice, and underbrush, it's medium to full-bodied, has beautiful fruit, ripe tannins, and a great finish. It would do just fine in a blind lineup of Châteauneuf du Pape.