2017 Chateauneuf du Pape

Vivid ruby. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe, smoke-accented red and dark berries, exotic spices and lavender, and a subtle mineral nuance adds vivacity. Sappy, sweet and lively on the palate, offering juicy raspberry and floral pastille flavors that are joined by hints of licorice and bitter cola on the back half. Smooth and seamless in texture, showing very good finishing clarity, rounded tannins and strong, floral-driven persistence.

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape from this team checks in as 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault and other permitted varieties brought up in foudre and barrels. A sexy nose of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, flowery incense, and ground pepper gives way to a medium to full-bodied, layered, elegant wine that has plenty of tannins, terrific balance, and a great finish.

A blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 5% other varieties, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is full-bodied, supple and easy to drink, loaded with concentrated black raspberries spiced with hints of clove, allspice and clove. It's a ripe, plush wine to enjoy in its first decade.