Moving to the two 2017s, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Vieilles Vignes checks in as 100% Grenache coming from a single parcel in the Cristia lieu-dit, in the heart of the appellation and was brought up mostly in old barrels, with 30% in new demi-muids. Revealing a more ruby/plum color, it has an incredible nose of spiced red and black fruits, ground pepper, garrigue, and spring flowers. These all carry to a full-bodied, layered, elegant Grenache that has silky tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. It’s already complex and ready to go today yet will cruise for 10-15 years in cold cellars.

Deep in color, the wine pops with licorice, dark cherries and garrigue. Soft, round and elegant with a nice pop of lusciously textured red fruits and freshness in the finish. This is going to drink well early, and age nicely. The wine was made using 100% old, vine Grenache. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2017+Cristia+Chateauneuf

Possessing more concentration and richness than the other Cristia cuvées, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes—sourced from 95-year-old Grenache vines in the Cristia lieu-dit—combines hints of cedar and vanilla from the barrels in which it matured with ripe raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied and intensely flavored, it delivers those things without any sense of heaviness, remaining fresh, silky and elegant from boldly aromatic start to long, nuanced finish. Yum!- JC

Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Oak-spiced cherry and Chambord aromas are complemented by vanilla and incense qualities and a touch of smokiness. Sweet and fleshy in style, offering red fruit preserve, cherry-vanilla and spicecake flavors that steadily expand with air. In a lush, extroverted style, with a long, smooth finish that features resonating oak and floral notes and even tannins that are quickly absorbed by the wine's sweet red fruit. -- Josh Raynolds