As always, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvée De Mon Aïeul is all Grenache (from La Serres, La Crau, and La Guigasse) that was not destemmed and was brought up all in used demi-muids. It's an extraordinary wine, offering a mammoth bouquet of kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, ground pepper, white flowers, and spice. Full-bodied, concentrated, and opulent on the palate, with silky tannins, it's not going to match the 2010 or 2016, but t’s a magical, elegant, layered wine that does everything right.

The black raspberries and garrigue in the nose start the show. But it is on the full, lush, deep, spicy, opulent palate that you find the wines true, black raspberry, pepper, jam, licorice and herb filled character. There is length, freshness and complexity found here. This should age quite well. The wine is made with 100% old vine Grenache. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2017&wine=Domaine%20Pierre%20Usseglio%20%26%20Fils%20Chateauneuf-du-Pape%20Cuvee%20de%20mon%20Aieul

This is lush and inviting in feel, with waves of warmed raspberry reduction taking center stage, while plum paste and cherry skin notes add range. Underneath the fruit, notes of anise, red and black tea and gently mulled spice notes course along, all supported by perfectly embedded acidity. A gorgeous wine that's hard to lay off now because of the fruit, but there's absolutely no rush. Best from 2023 through 2040. – JM

Rich and almost painfully intense, from yields that were reduced by coulure to only about six hectoliters per hectare, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul is steadfast in being all Grenache and all whole cluster. Licorice, chocolate and super ripe plums appear on the nose, while the palate is full-bodied and velvety, with a long, warm finish. - Joe Czerwinski

Another string release under this label, showing rich dark fruit and earthy notes with plenty of spice. Tarry notes as well. The palate has a very plush, ripe and rich feel with juicy, ripe dark berries and plums, really bathed in deep, long and smooth-honed tannins. Drink or hold.