A second consecutive winner from this fine estate, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is 66% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 6% Cinsault and 3% of the other permitted varieties. Grilled red plums lead off, fleshed out by other ripe stone fruits. Full-bodied and plush, it's creamy in texture through the mid-palate, then long and silky on the finish, where it picks up hints of Asian five spice powder.

Attractively complex with red plums and berries ,as well as meaty notes and darker fruit aromas. The palate has a very open-knit, fleshy and attractive feel with a wealth of ripe, succulent fruit on offer. Drink or hold.

Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Deeply perfumed, smoke-accented aromas of cherry liqueur, boysenberry and garrigue are complicated by potpourri and allspice flourishes. Juicy and appealingly sweet, offering concentrated red and blue fruit and spice cake flavors and a touch of candied flowers. Supple tannins build slowly on a long, focused finish that leaves floral and spice notes behind.

The classic cuvée in bottle, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape is 66% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. This cuvée is brought up in a mix of stainless steel, wooded tanks, foudre, and barrels, with just 5% new oak. Deep ruby purple-colored, with beautiful black cherry and blackberry fruits, it has loads of licorice and garrigue aromas, medium to full body, beautiful concentration, and considerable elegance and purity. I always find a Burgundian style in the wines from this estate and this is no exception....