Chateau Mont-Redon Châteauneuf du Pape 2017

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Deep glistening magenta. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries, potpourri and smoky minerals accented by an exotic Moroccan spice quality. Shows impressive depth as well as energy on the palate, offering sappy black raspberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors; an undercurrent of juicy acidity adds lift and back-end cut. Finishes sweet, gently tannic and very long, leaving behind mineral, garrigue and cherry liqueur notes.

I loved the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape from barrel last year, and it didn't disappoint from bottle. Revealing a deeper ruby/purple color as well as a killer bouquet of crème de cassis, ground pepper, candied violets, garrigue, and a touch of graphite, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a rich, concentrated, structured mouthfeel, and a great finish. It needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will evolve nicely for 15-20 years or more.

Dark and winey in feel, with steeped plum and blackberry fruit forming the core, which moves along slowly, carried by silky but substantial tannins and backed by warm anise, fruitcake and roasted apple wood details through the finish. Best from 2021 through 2035. 18,333 cases made, 1,500 cases imported.

Mont Redon's 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is a polite, balanced expression of the appellation, consisting of 57% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre and the rest other permitted varieties. Aged half in wood and half in tank, it easily blends hints of cedar and baking spices with ripe cherries and raspberries. Medium to full-bodied, it's supple and easy-drinking, with a softly dusty finish tinged with cinnamon and chocolate.