Piquant hits of shaved peppercorn and clove lend warmth to rich, glossy black plum and mulberry in this penetrating red. A blend of Grenache and Syrah accented by smaller proportions of three other regional red grapes, it's full in body but thrilling and fresh, lifted by a crush of minerality and lingering traces of leather, earth and sage. Drink through 2040.

Bright ruby. Ripe black and blue fruits, potpourri, incense and baking spices on the deeply perfumed, expansive nose. Coats the palate with sweet boysenberry, black raspberry and floral pastille flavors that are sharpened by emerging mineral and cracked pepper flourishes. Shows the depth and power of the vintage but comes off quite lively, delivering strong dark berry thrust on the long, gently tannic finish.

A more serious, concentrated wine, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape boasts a vivid ruby/purple color as well as rocking notes of dark fruits, ground pepper, violets, tobacco, and loads of stony, earthy minerality. With full body, building ripe tannins, terrific mid-palate depth, and a great finish, give bottles 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 15.

Out of bottle, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Grand Vin seems to have closed down a bit. Although still impressive for its concentration and length, it seems a bit chunky, delivering muscular black cherry fruit and hints of cedar, clove and leather. Full-bodied and tannic, it could use another year or two of cellaring and then drink well for a decade.

Ripe and juicy, with engaging blackberry, black currant and black cherry paste flavors, wrapped in brambly grip and scored by licorice root and sweet tobacco accents on the finish. Shows a tug of dark earth throughout. Grenache and Syrah. Best from 2022 through 2030. 1,000 cases imported.