Chapoutier’s 2005 Châteauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois is gorgeous, and while I’ve always preferred the Barbe Rac to this cuvee, I think the quality between the two is neck and neck. A blend of 100% Grenache that was vinified and aged all in concrete, this naked, raw expression of the variety gives up classic jammy dark fruits, toasted bread, garrigue, red licorice and sweet spice on the nose. Silky, refined and elegant, yet with full-bodied richness and tons of character, it’s a knockout bottle of Grenache to drink anytime over the coming 5-7 years.