Domaine Saint Prefert, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Collection Charles Giraud 2017

Even better (as well as a perfect wine), the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Collection Charles Giraud checks in as a nominal blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre that was brought up in demi-muids. It reveals a deep purple color as well as heavenly notes of blackberry and currant fruits intermixed with loads of cured meats, spice box, Asian spices, and a distinct loamy soil and minerality. Always more structured and powerful than the Reserve Auguste Favier release (no doubt due to the Mourvèdre component), it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, building yet polished tannins, flawless balance, and a great, great finish. Pure perfection in a glass, it’s as good as wine gets. Give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following two decades. Hats off to winemaker Isabelle Ferrando for yet another thrilling wine!

Full-bodied, richly concentrated and velvety-textured, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Collection Charles Giraud is one of the top wines of the vintage. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, it offers up seductive notes of dried spices and cola, plus plenty of plummy fruit. It's lush and long on the finish, folding in hints of clove, allspice and star anise. Nearly approachable now, it should cellar well through 2035.

Deep ruby. Powerful red/blue fruit preserve, baking spice, cola and potpourri scents show superb definition and take on a smoky nuance as the wine opens up. Plush, appealingly sweet and broad on the palate, offering concentrated black raspberry, boysenberry, kirsch and licorice flavors supported by an undercurrent of juicy acidity. Shows impressive power and floral lift on a very long, subtly chewy finish framed by steadily building tannins.