The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvée Réservée is a blend of 40% Grenache and 30% each Mourvèdre and Syrah, all aged in older barrels. It shows intense chocolate and stone fruit aromas and flavors, backed by starching tannins on the full-bodied palate and a long, mouthwatering finish. Give it a few years in the cellar.

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée Réservée (40% Grenache and 30% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) sports a deep ruby/plum color as well as a powerful, rich bouquet of red and black fruits intermixed with lots of pepper, game, and green olive aromas and flavors. Rich, chewy, and mouthfilling, it has loads of classic Southern Rhône leather and spice characteristics, medium to full body, ripe tannins, and a big finish.

Earthen and closed upon opening, this Grenache-Syrah-Mourvèdre blend requires time and air to coax out it's pure, sunny blackberry and cassis flavors. Matured entirely in old barriques, it's deeply ripe but freshly balanced and lifted by a smoky, mineral undertone. The finish is gripped by coarse, penetrating tannins. Best to cellar until 2023. It should open nicely through 2030 and hold further still.

Vivid magenta. Dried cherry, dark berries and a strong hint of gaminess on the nose and palate. In a distinctly funky style, showing good heft and building tannins on the penetrating finish. I wonder if this one will settle down with a bit of time.