Darker and plummier than the 2016, Guigal's 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is another fine effort from this quality-conscious négociant. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety in texture, with notes of cola, dark chocolate and prune plums that linger on the silky finish.

A fresh, dark-cherry and stone nose with attractive purity of fruit here. The palate has a very succulent, quite grainy and deeply ripe feel with a super rich, concentrated and bold serving of ripe dark plums and blackberries. Tar to close. Impressive. Drink or hold

Lots of lavender, garrigue, peppery herbs, and rocking dark fruits emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. With medium to full body, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish, it’s unquestionably an outstanding wine. It’s already hard to resist yet will benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for a decade.