The old vine cuvée is the 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes and is a non-destemmed blend of 90% Grenache and 5% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Aged in foudre and demi-muids, it offers textbook notes of black raspberries, kirsch, garrigue, pepper and leafy herbs, as well as full-bodied richness, ripe, polished tannin and a great finish. I’ve found this cuvée to be a touch rustic in the past, but recent vintages show another level of purity, elegance and finesse.