Tasted as a final blend, just prior to bottling, the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Reserve was slightly reticent and tarry, but it slowly fleshed out with air to show cola and black cherry flavors. It's medium to full-bodied, perhaps a bit sturdier than the 2018, but still meant for consumption during its first 5-7 years.

This ripe, fleshy wine is chock full of luscious mulberry and cassis flavors. It's potent and full bodied but a brisk, mineral sheen on the midpalate lends freshness. The finish is moderately long, framed by fine, soft tannins. Drink now-2023.

Moving to the 2017s, this sunny, almost California-like vintage was handled brilliantly at this estate, which is helped by its cooler, northerly location and plethora of Mourvèdre, which loves the heat. Starting with the 2017 Côtes Du Rhône Reserve, it has a classic, fruit-forward style as well as plenty of blackberry and cherry fruits intermixed with notes of pepper and leafy herbs. It's a dense, rounded, rock-solid Côtes Du Rhône to drink over the coming 3-5 years.

A fresh, light-bodied style, with a friendly core of cherry paste flavors, framed by a subtle singed sandalwood note. Drink now.