JEB DUNNUCK
Score : 97
A more serious, concentrated wine, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape boasts a vivid ruby/purple color as well as rocking notes of dark fruits, ground pepper, violets, tobacco, and loads of stony, earthy minerality. With full body, building ripe tannins, terrific mid-palate depth, and a great finish, give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 15.
WINE ADVOCATE
Score : (93-95)
To be bottled in November, I sampled the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Vin on two occasions (once blind), with consistent notes. Black cherry and raspberry fruit dominate, although subtle notions of garrigue and peppery spice add interest. It's full-bodied, round and mouthfilling, lush, supple, silky and long. A blend of 51% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre and 1% Counoise, almost half is maturing in concrete tanks, with another big chunk in foudres. Less than a third is in barrels or demi-muids.