2017 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Tasting notes
Starting with the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape from Jean-Paul Versino, this is another one of those "Provence in a glass" wines that offers loads of character in its kirsch, mulled blackberries, new saddle leather, gamey meats, lavender, and spice-driven aromas and flavors. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied, incredibly elegant Châteauneuf du Pape with terrific overall balance, silky tannins, and a great finish. It’s not the biggest, richest version of this cuvée, but it shines for its incredible complexity and character as well as its balance. It’s going to drink brilliantly for 10-15 years or more. The blend is 70% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the balance a mix of permitted varieties.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Ruby-red. Vibrant, spice-accented red fruits and candied flowers on the expansive nose. Sappy and seamless in texture, with a vein of juicy acidity adding support to plush cherry and raspberry preserve flavors. Shows very good energy and insistent floral character on the subtly tannic finish, which leaves behind persistent red fruit preserve and smoky mineral notes.
Neither of the samples from this normally reliable estate performed up to expectations. The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape comes across as leathery and earthy, with only modest fruit and concentration. It's full-bodied, silky and with decent length, so perhaps it was just a mediocre sample.
About the producer
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro
Red
Dry