E. Guigal : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017

Shows 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 through 2030. 18,000 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.

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.

Bright ruby. Potent red and blue fruit liqueur, potpourri and incense are complemented by hints of botanical herbs and exotic spices. Attractively sweet and energetic in style, offering spice-laced raspberry, boysenberry, dried cherry and floral pastille flavors supported by a strong undercurrent of smoky minerality. Polished, even tannins frame and shape a smooth finish that lingers with strong persistence and repeating florality. I'd have guessed that there was more Grenache in play here.

Pepper, garrigue, black raspberries, and a touch of kirsch round out the nose. On the medium-bodied palate, the wine is fresh and fruity with a serious touch of garrigue-toned, spicy red fruits and green olives on the finish. Drink from 2022-2027.

More dark berry fruits, wild fennel, and peppery garrigue notes emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape, another ripe, seamless, sexy, yet elegant wine in the lineup.

Already ready to drink, with meaty notes and a slightly dry tannin on the finish; we prefer the superb Gigondas 2019.

A solid, reliable classic with good chew and balance, making it very digestible and flavorful. A Châteauneuf focused on finesse.

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.