Based on a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that sees a fair click of new oak, the 2018 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Origines displays a slightly more modern style in its black raspberry and jammy blackberry fruits as well as notes of black licorice, toasted spices, vanilla bean, and peppery garrigue. Showing the vintage's more medium-bodied style on the palate, it has good mid-palate depth, terrific overall balance, and a classy finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. It's not going to be the longest-lived version of this cuvée, but it will benefit from a year or two of bottle age and keep nicely for over a decade.

Brilliant ruby. Energetic red and blue fruit, candied licorice and floral scents take on a spicy aspect with air. At once weighty and energetic on the palate, offering bitter cherry, boysenberry and fruitcake flavors sharpened by a peppery flourish. Shows fine definition on a long, spicy finish that features dusty tannins and a resonating cherry preserve note.