2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Olivets

The entry-level cuvée from this reference point estate is the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Les Olivets and it's 80% Grenache and 10% each of Cinsault and Syrah. Deeply colored, it has a ripe, plush, downright flamboyant style in its blackberry, spring flowers, spice, chocolate, and garrigue aromas and flavors. A straight-up fruit bomb, it has full-bodied richness, beautiful purity, and tons of charm. I'm impressed – Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to taste any 2018s from this estate but, unquestionably, their 2017s are some of the wines of the vintage.

A blend of 80% Grenache with 10% each Cinsault and Syrah, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape les Olivets is a terrific success. Peppery notes accent hints of roses and raspberries on the nose of this full-bodied, creamy-textured beauty. It slides easily across the palate, finishing long and plush yet with great depth at the same time. It should drink well for up to 15 years. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes.

80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Cinsault. Tasted blind. Slightly reductive nose with jammy bramble fruit and a touch of milk chocolate for complexity. Warm finish, smooth texture. With a few more years of bottle age, this should blossom. (RH)