Château Pavillon de Villenouvette 2016

Direct from the cellars of 19th-century Château Villenouvette and local star Marc Dubernet (“one of the prime movers in the renaissance of Southern French winemaking,” says Decanter), this rich, warming red is a smooth blend of Carignan and Syrah from vines up to 60 years old. Given six months in fine oak, the Cuvée de Réserve is one of Marc’s favorite wines to make. Look forward to an invitingly aromatic nose (super-ripe blackberry, thyme, black pepper) and layers of toasty black fruit and wild herb flavor on the palate.