The 2017 Ch?teauneuf-du-Pape looks to be a huge success and reminds me of the 2007. As is normal, Vincent keeps multiple foudres with different blends (as well as a foudre of the final blend), and it's always incredibly educational tasting through the different barrels. The final blend has a classic, sweet bouquet of kirsch, spices, and garrigue, and it's full-bodied, deep, and thrillingly concentrated on the palate. The blend is shifted more toward Mourv?dre due to the tiny quantity of Grenache in the vintage, which makes me think this cuv?e might close down shortly after bottling, but it's upfront and incredibly expressive today

Clos des Papes - Chateauneuf du Pape (pre arrival) 2017 750ml