Domaine de Beaurenard, Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2017, 375mlA second consecutive winner from this fine estate, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is 66% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvdre, 6% Cinsault and 3% of the other permitted varieties. Grilled red plums lead off, fleshed out by other ripe stone fruits. Full bodied and plush, it's creamy in texture through the mid palate, then long and silky on the finish, where it picks up hints of Asian five spice powder. Country Region: Cotes du Rhone, France Grape Variety:

especially red currant

There is outstanding volume to the robust

it is less austere than previous vintages of Duhart

but could this 2016 surpass that

The 2017 Mouton Rothschild is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon

38% Merlot and 2% Cabernet Franc

as if there was a tiny drop of Cabernet Franc

Ratings: WS 92-95

sorbet fresh in the mouth and fanning out towards its structured

cinnamon stick

cedar and a hint of licorice

Relatively approachable