Arnoux's 2019 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieux Clocher offers up a mix of leather, strawberries and clove on the nose. It's medium to full-bodied and a bit rustic, and even though it's not very dark in color, it is reasonably tannic and chewy on the finish.

This venerable négociant in Vacqueyras has turned out a notable 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieux Clocher. A blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5% Terret Noir, it's a full-bodied effort that was aged just six months in foudre. Hints of rose petals and red fruits mark the nose, while the palate offers firm structure and solid depth. It should drink well for at least a decade.

The 2013 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieux Clocher is another good effort that has to be considered a success in the vintage. Black cherry, leather, herbs and tinges of minerality give way to a medium-bodied, focused, firm and crisp palate. It’s a good, mid-weight wine to enjoy over the coming 3-5 years.

Along the same lines and an early drinker that has solid character, the 2012 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieux Clocher offers up quality spice, potpourri and sweet fruit as well as a soft, supple and polished profile on the palate. There’s solid freshness and focus here, and while it won’t make old bones, should offer plenty of drinking pleasure over the coming 4-5 years or so. Drink 2015-2019. This estate offers up plenty of easygoing, fruit-loaded efforts that have solid Southern Rhone character. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC ; tel. (919) 781-1655

Along the same lines, with medium-bodied depth and richness, the 2011 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieux Clocher offers up notions of sweet black cherry, leather, pepper and underbrush as well as an easy, supple profile on the palate. It won’t make old bones, yet has solid fruit and texture. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years or so. Drink now-2018. This estate offers up plenty of easygoing, fruit-loaded efforts that have solid Southern Rhone character. Importer: Grape Expectations, Raleigh, NC ; tel. (919) 781-1655