2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Tradition

Vivid magenta. Intense, mineral-accented red berry preserve, spicecake and floral scents are complicated by suggestions of smoky minerals and garrigue . Juicy, seamless raspberry liqueur and cherry flavors become deeper and sweeter while maintaining urgency. Shows solid thrust on the sweet, red-fruit-dominated finish, which is framed by gentle, slow-building tannins.

I loved the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape, and I’d certainly be happy with a case in the cellar. Offering a pure, elegant, incredibly Grenache-driven profile of sweet black raspberries, incense, violets, and garrigue, it’s medium to full-bodied, ethereal, and elegant on the palate. It’s already hard to resist yet will keep for 10-15 years. Looking at the vintages reviewed here, the 2017s are the clear step up, with terrific depth and richness as well as considerable elegance. They’re not far off the magical 2016s and will evolve gracefully. The 2018s showed well, and I expect these to put on weight over the course of their elevage, yet they lack the sheer depth and concentration found in both the 2016s and 2017s. They also lend credence to the idea 2018 was more difficult in the southern portion of the appellation. Nevertheless, these are elegant, seamless wines, and this is unquestionably one of my favorite estates in France.