Vivid red. A high-pitched, spice-accented bouquet of ripe red and dark berries, peppery spices and minerals, accompanied by a strong potpourri quality. Supple and expansive, offering juicy black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors that put on weight and become sweeter with air. In a plush, seamless style, displaying strong finishing thrust and smooth, slowly building tannins that add shape.

A silky, refined style, with red currant, raspberry and damson plum coulis notes forming the core, backed by light rooibos tea and lavender hints, leading to an elegant, sandalwood-edged finish. Drink now through 2020. Tasted twice, with consistent notes.

The entry-level 2014 Châteauneuf du Pape La Bernardine is a total charmer that gives up lots of saddle leather, black currants, garrigue and spice, with a supple, mid-weight and quaffable style that's ideal for drinking over the coming 3-4 years.