2017 Domaine Roger Sabon Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Reserve

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve is largely in the same ballpark and has terrific notes of blackberries, smoked earth, garrigue, and pepper. It’s based on 80% Grenache and 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up in foudre and cuve tronconique tanks. More concentrated as well as focused, it's medium to full-bodied, has brilliant concentration, ripe, present tannins, and a great finish. It's another awesome wine from this estate. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to taste any 2018s from this estate but, unquestionably, their 2017s are some of the wines of the vintage.

Inky in hue but resoundingly floral and packed with red berries and black cherries, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve is full-bodied and rich, yet it never seems heavy or overdone, with silky tannins and refreshing savory hints of herb, Asian spices and cracked pepper on the lengthy finish. It's probably the best value among the various cuvées this year. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. Tasted blind. Dumb nose with compact, intense black fruit on the palate. Fibrous tannins, medium body and a fiery finish from alcohol. (RH)