The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Saintes Vierges is a blend of Grenache, Mourvèdre and Counoise grown on light, sandy soils. Yet it's full-bodied and intense, almost creamy in texture, perhaps the most powerful of the four 2017s. Raspberries and cherries combine with Mediterranean herbs and hints of cinnamon, allspice, clove and star anise in a wine that shows remarkable balance and elegance despite the richness. It should drink well for at least a decade and a half. - Joe Czerwinski

Graphite, violet and rose petal perfume introduce this thrilling Grenache blend (augmented by 9% Mourvèdre and 1% Counoise). It's a plush, full-bodied sip that dazzles with pristine blackberry and raspberry flavors marked by a sheen of minerality. Delicate and delightfully silky in mouthfeel, it's irresistible young but should gain complexity through 2030. A remarkable value for such finesse. ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA

Silky, fresh and pure defines the wine. The red fruits are sweet, lively, long and polished, with purity and depth of flavor. The wine was produced from blending 90% Grenache, 9% Mourvedre and 1% Counoise. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2017&wine=Domaine%20Santa%20Duc%20Chateauneuf-du-Pape%20Les%20Saintes%20Vierges

Intense, with steeped red currant, plum and raspberry fruit forming the core, backed by red licorice and rooibos tea accents. A vibrant mineral streak runs through the fresh finish. Best from 2020 through 2035. 400 cases made, 50 cases imported. — JM

(91-93 points) The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Saintes Vierges comes from more sandy soils and is a more medium-bodied, elegant effort. Offering plenty of red fruits, dried earth, and spice-laced aromatics, ultra-fine tannins, and a silky, moderately intense mouthfeel, drink it on release and over the following 10-15 years.