94pts Jeb Dunnuck
Not yet bottled, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is cut from the same cloth as the 2016 yet has a slightly more sunny, sexy style. Kirsch, peppery garrigue, and lavender notes all emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, has tons of character, ripe tannins, and the balance to evolve for over a decade.
94pts Wine Enthusiast
Matured two years in oak foudres, this full-bodied blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah balances piercing black cherry and cassis flavors against a firm structure of fine, penetrating tannins and bright acidity. Richly concentrated yet pristine in fruit, it finishes on a sultry, smoky streak of crushed stone and charred anise. Approachable in youth but likely to improve through 2030 and hold longer still.
92pts James Suckling
The inaugural vintage of this wine, it has a very fresh, melon and sliced-pear nose with subtle, stony notes. The palate is smooth, sleek and fleshy with attractive peach flavors and a fresh,crisp feel to the gently nutty finish. Drink or hold.
91pts Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% other permitted varieties, all aged in foudres for three years. Boasting scents of dried spices, stone fruit and red raspberries, it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a rich, velvety feel and a dusting of tannins on the long finish.
91pts Wine Spectator
Show a slightly old school persona, with lots of singed alder, garrigue and leather accents leading the way, while the core of red currant and bitter cherry fruit follows from behind. The long finish has nice grain, with dried fruit and herb notes partnering until the end. Drink now.
Winemaker Notes
Deep dark red.
Spices and mature red fruits on the nose.
Round tannins with powerful complexity. A rich unctuous wine with notes of mature plums, hazelnuts, and red fruit.
Blend : 70% old Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, 5% others.