Your Completely Independent Guide to Fine Wines. Wine Rating System

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1 Your Completely Independent Guide to Fine Wines Wine Rating System As good as It gets. These wines reach the peak of my personal scale of quality Outstanding. These wines are outstanding for their type and are worth the extra effort to seek out Very Good to Good. These offer real character and can be age worthy. The majority of my cellar and what I drink on a daily basis falls into this category. Good to Decent. While still good, these wines lack character or fail to show a significant number of positive traits. Quaffable to Undrinkable. Wines rated less than 80 points are not recommended. They will range from passable to flawed and undrinkable. I score wines on the above scale, and the bottle price, winery/wine reputation, and vintage have no bearing on the score. While a well-written note should not need a score, its inclusion allows a clear, easy to understand delineation of preferences. This allows a more concise note that can focus on the positive aspects of each wine as opposed to always having to explain why a wine rated 88 points isn't as good as one rated outstanding with 95 points. A precise score also forces the reviewer to make a hard decision and I will agonize over small differences in score. Having said that, and while I believe a reviewer should be as precise as possible (i.e. the old saying "aim small, miss small"), readers should interpret broadly and take any rating system with a grain of salt. The only difference between a wine I rate 89 points and one I rate 90 points (or one rated 100 points and one rated 97 points for that matter) is that I liked one a little more than the other. That's all a score tells you and a score represents the reviewer's opinion. While I use score ranges in the case of barrel samples, I will also use a range if I am unsure of a wine or if the tasting conditions do not allow enough time or focus on the wine. Wines are scored on their overall quality. The note should indicate my best guess at when the wine will be at maturity; however, drinking young, structured wines can provide just as much pleasure as drinking fully mature, completely integrated bottles. If you prefer the latter and don't like young, tannic wines or wines with primary fruit, don't open a newly released Châteauneuf-du-Pape and expect the same level of enjoyment that I get from it. While scores give you a clear idea of what I think of the wine, please realize that there are times when a less complex, easier drinking wine is actually the best wine for a given situation. I cringe every time I hear someone state that their cellar consists of only 90+ point wines (I'll ignore the source of the point rating) because I truly believe that person is missing out on a huge swath of interesting wines that deliver immense pleasure. Soft and easy are not always bad things and there are times when it doesn't get better than taking big gulps of a fresh, newly released Côtes-du-Rhône with a roast chicken or quaffing a delicious Rosé after work or with dinner. The style of the wine (described by the note) is every bit as important as the score. To me, any wine rated 85 points or higher is a wine I like, believe can be enjoyed, and has noteworthy qualities. In the case of barrel tastings, I use a range for the score. While I think it is possible to evaluate barrel samples (especially final blends), these notes should always be taken with a grain of salt. Scoring is a subjective portion of wine evaluation and as such, is simply my personal preference for a wine at a given point in time. Nothing more, nothing less. Any score or note in isolation is close to worthless and it is only after reading multiple notes and tasting multiple bottles that a reader can start to understand where the note taker is coming from. At the end of the day, the only opinion that matters is yours and my goal is to help you find a wine, either via a note or score (or both), that you will enjoy. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 1

2 LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Due to the incredible number of wines I taste from the Southern Rhône, I m forced to divide the coverage into multiple parts. This report focuses primarily on Châteauneuf-du-Pape as well as wines made by Châteauneuf-du-Pape producers outside their appellation, including Côtes du Rhônes, Côtes du Rhône Villages, etc. I will publish some seriously enthusiastic reviews of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Rasteau, Cairanne and other Southern Rhône appellations in a follow-up report. The Extraordinary 2016s The 2016 vintage was truly extraordinary for the Southern Rhône and is a vintage that readers should buy with abandon. This is the greatest young vintage from the Southern Rhône Valley I ve ever tasted, both in terms of quality as well as consistency. I ve never seen so many traditional cuvées achieve such high quality nor so many estates produce such truly extraordinary wines. In fact, the quality of many base cuvées made me ponder more than once if it was worth the uptick in price for the more expensive special cuvées. While these are ripe, concentrated, and exuberant wines, they also show an incredible purity of fruit as well as weightless, sensationally balanced profiles on the palate. They are complex, powerful wines that satisfy both the intellectual and the hedonistic parts of the brain. Rhône lovers will be comparing the 2016s, 2010s, and 2007s long into the future, and you will want these wines in your cellar. So why are the wines so good? Looking specifically at the weather, the year started with a mild winter and a dry, cool spring. This allowed a large, even crop set. Vignerons want flowering to occur under even, mild conditions so grape set is uniform and consistent. This allows winemakers to pick evenly ripe grapes at harvest. This large, even crop set is a key component of the success and style of the 2016 vintage. This was followed by a hot, dry summer. Temperatures were routinely above average, with multiple days exceeding 95F, even in September. However, like in 2007, the nights were cool, resulting in dramatic differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures. This is what separates 2016 from other hot years like 2015, 2011, 2009, and 2003.This diurnal temperature swing is generally thought to preserve freshness in the grapes as well as contribute to more purity and freshness in the aromatics. In addition, it was an incredibly dry year. Total rainfall in August through September was 70.8mm (less than 3 inches), with 17.8 mm in July, 8.4 mm in August, and 44.6 mm in September. In comparison 2007, one of the driest years on record, saw 94.5 mm in the same period. There were 225mm in 2001, 148mm in 2000, 150.5mm in 1998, and 124mm in Furthermore, the light rain early in September was exactly what was needed to refresh the vines and ensure full phenolic ripeness while not adding any dilution or grape health issues. Harvest started on September 12 under ideal conditions and was spread over 4-6 weeks for most estates. Berry sizes were small due to the hot, dry year, but given the large, even crop set, yields were a healthy 32 hectoliters per hectare. Grapes were uniformly ripe, and sorting, unlike in 2015, was a non-issue. Looking specifically at the style of the wines, the 2016s have a style all their own but could be described as a hypothetical mix of a hot, drought year and a cooler, fresher year. These are undeniably ripe, flamboyant wines, yet they hold onto a stunning level of purity, have sound, tannic backbones, beautiful concentration, and perfect balance. You rarely encounter overripe aromas and flavors, and the tannins have a suppleness indicative of perfect phenolic ripeness. Comparisons to 2010, a mix of 2007 and 2010, to 2001, and to 1990 are all valid. The wines have the sexy, open style of the 1990s, the purity, precision, and classic feel of the 2001s, the voluptuous, expansive feel of the 2007s, and the density paired with purity of the 2010s. A few last factors to consider when thinking about this vintage: One of the driving influences in these 2016s is the larger yields, which give the wines a more open, expansive, and elegant texture/feel on the palate. The 1990s and 2007s both had abundant crop loads, and you find a similar type of elegance and texture in these vintages. For comparison, the 2010s, which have a similar purity due to the cool nights as well as similar levels of concentration, come from a vintage with tiny, tiny yields and show a more dense, tight, backward style. The 2010s have been relatively closed since release (they re starting to drink well today), but these 2016s are relatively open for business and I suspect will drink well for much of their life. Another factor to consider is the level of winemaking and technical expertise that s present in the Southern Rhône today. The winemakers, most of whom are the next generation, taking over their domains in the 1990s and early 2000s, have firsthand experience handling hot, dry years such as 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2010, and In addition, they also have much more ready access to temperature-controlled cellars today and are unquestionably better equipped to handle these hot, powerful years gracefully. One other factor is the always moving pendulum of wine styles, which thankfully moves slower in regions like the Rhône Valley. Nevertheless, the Southern Rhône has seen styles vary from the pedal-to-the-metal style present in the 2000s, peeking around 2007, to a trend of focusing more on so-called elegance and balance, which drove harvests earlier and earlier. Unquestionably, both extremes can result in bad wines being produced. Today, the Rhône Valley is somewhere in the middle of this spectrum, and a vintage like 2016, if handled with a mid-2000s mindset, could easily have resulted in too many over-the-top and heavy wines. In short, this is a great vintage that came at the right time. Lastly, the changes this region has seen over the past two decades have been remarkable. Even just a decade ago, there were probably only 20 to 30 top estates focused on world-class wines, but that number is dwarfed today. This report includes over 200 producers, almost all of whom are producing notable wines. In fact, it s difficult to find a truly bad wine in One of the great traits of this vintage is the quality level across all the appellations as well as at all levels. It s common to find many traditional cuvées in 2016, made in terrific quantities, that rival many special cuvées and limited production releases from lesser vintages. The 2016s are just now hitting retail shelves in the United States, and it s important to know that most of these wines are sold out at the estates. Even with the healthy yields, these wines are not going to last long. An Early Look at the 2017s 2017 will be another impressive vintage and should surpass 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2015, although I don t see it hitting the heights of 2007, 2010, or Quantities are going to be limited as Grenache (and other varieties to a lesser extent) was hammered by a cold spell in April, causing massive and unprecedented grape shatter (or coulure in French). Even the old timers I spoke to were hard-pressed to come up with another similar vintage for comparison. The reduced crop was a saving grace though as the vintage turned hot and dry, with literally no perception. Had the vines had to ripen a large crop, things would have been very different. For perspective, while 2016 was an incredibly dry growing season with just 70 mm of precipitation between July and September, 2017 received a minuscule 17 mm! They basically went six months with no rain. The total rain for the entire growing season was 185 mm, or 7.2 inches. Harvest kicked offer early in September, and growers had a long Indian summer that allowed some to wait as long as they wanted, some not wrapping up until November. Yields were an accountant-crushing 23 hectoliters per hectare on average. As to the wines, they show sunny, Provençal characters with more red fruit-driven aromatics and forward, expressive profiles. Tannin quality can be erratic, yet the top wines exude charm and sweet fruit. Very few of the wines have the mid-palate density and sheer grandeur of the 2016s, but there are some beautiful wines in this vintage, most of which will be approachable in their youth. There just won t be much to go around. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 2

3 ALAIN JAUME ALAIN JAUME 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC DE VIOGNIER NA WHITE 90 ALAIN JAUME 2017 COTES DU RHONE HAUT DE BRUN BLANC NA WHITE 90 ALAIN JAUME 2016 COTES DU RHONE HAUT DE BRUN NA RED 90 ALAIN JAUME 2017 COTES DU RHONE HAUT DE BRUN NA RED ALAIN JAUME 2016 COTES DU RHONE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 89 ALAIN JAUME 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA GRANGETTE DES PAPES NA RED 90 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2017 COTES DU RHONE RESERVE BLANC NA WHITE 88 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE MIOCENE NA RED 92 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES ORIGINES NA RED 95 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 100 DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE MIOCENE NA RED DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES ORIGINES NA RED DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED DOMAINE GRAND VENEUR 2017 COTES DU RHONE RESERVE NA RED There are few better run estates in the world than that of the Jaume Family s Domaine Grand Veneur. Located in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du- Pape and run today by brothers Christophe and Sebastien Jaume, the estate produces a quasi-modern style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape (their Les Origins and Vieilles Vignes) as well as a growing number of negociant based wines from throughout the Southern Rhône. The 2017s whites are terrific across the board, and this vintage has produced charming, pure wines that are already drinking beautifully. The 2016 reds are some of the finest I ve tasted from this estate. A beautiful wine, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc de Viognier has classic white peach and honeysuckle aromas and flavors. Elegant, silky, and balanced, it s another outstanding white from this talented team. I also loved the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Haut de Brun Blanc, which is based on Viognier, Roussanne, and Clairette. It has a complex style in its stone fruits, rose petal, spice, and salty mineral-l ke aromas and flavors. This medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, elegant white will keep for 2-3 years. Moving to the reds under the Alain Jaume label, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Haut de Brun is a 70/30 split of Grenache and Syrah brought up in stainless steel and concrete. Black cherries, blackberries, peppery herbs, and ample spice notes give way to a medium-bodied, beautifully balanced, lengthy beauty that shows the quality of this great vintage. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Haut de Brun is in the same ballpark as the 2016, with a similar level of concentration, yet it has more dark fruits as well as good minerality. This medium-bodied, concentrated, fresh 2017 will keep for 7-8 years. Always solid, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes has some darker berry fruits, leafy herbs/garrigue, and some earthy minerality in its mediumbodied, fresh, nicely balanced profile. It s a year in, year out value that delivers. Deep ruby colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Grangette des Papes offers impressive black raspberries, cassis, ground pepper, and garrigue. It s medium to full-bodied, ripe, beautifully polished and elegant, with a great finish. Moving to the Domaine Grand Veneur releases, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Réserve Blanc checks in as a mix of Viognier, Roussanne, and Clairette brought up all in stainless steel. It gives up lovely notes of apple blossoms, spice, and salty minerality, and is medium-bodied, pure, and seamless on the palate. Drink it over the coming couple of years. The traditional cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocène, which is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre in This medium to full-bodied, seamless beauty gives up classic notes of black raspberries, garrigue, new saddle leather, and spice. It s balanced, textured, has ample concentration, and is a terrific classic cuvée. This wine is always made in a more upfront, charming style, yet will cruise in the cellar on its balance as well. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines is 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, all brought up in 50% new oak. It offers a deep ruby/plum color to go with terrific notes of blackberries, currants, smoked earth, and spiced meats. This cuvée shows some oak, but it s beautifully interwoven with its fruit, and it has a rich, full mid-palate and a great finish. This awesome wine will benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for 15+ years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is up with the crème de la crème of the vintage and in the same league as the perfect Awesome notes of blackberries, crème de cassis, charred meats, licorice, and violets all soar from the glass. It s powerful, opulent, and structured, with building tannin, a huge mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish, yet it never loses its sense of purity and elegance. It s an incredible achievement from this estate. The blend is 45% Grenache, 45% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah, all aged in 55% new French oak. The entry-level Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Miocène. A normal mix of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre raised in a combination of older barrels and concrete tanks, it has a fabulous bouquet to blackberries, blueberries, crushed pepper, new leather, and garrigue. It s beautifully concentrated, has remarkable purity, and a stacked mid-palate. It s certainly one of the most successful entry-level CDPs out there. Also brilliant, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Origines (50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah brought up in 50% new barrels) boasts a deep purple color as well as loads of dark fruits, licorice, graphite, and building minerality. It s full-bodied and concentrated, with stunning purity of fruit. It s similar in style to the 2016 and is going to drink nicely in its youth as well. The flagship is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, a slightly heavy Mourvèdre blend of 45% each of Mourvèdre and Grenache, with 10% Syrah. Aged 16 months in 55% new French oak (the balance is in concrete), this deep, rich, full-bodied beauty boasts killer notes of black and blue fruits, graphite, charred meats, and crushed rocks. It s straight, focused, and concentrated on the palate, with great, great intensity. Always classic, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Réserve has a great nose of blackberries, peppery herbs, and dried earth. It s charming, medium-bodied, and rounded, with light tannin and tons of charm. The blend is 70/30 Grenache and Syrah brought up all in concrete tanks. vignobles-alainjaume.com DOMAINE ALBIN JACUMIN DOMAINE ALBIN JACUMIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BEGUDE DES PAPES BLANC NA WHITE 90 DOMAINE ALBIN JACUMIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 DOMAINE ALBIN JACUMIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE A AIME NA RED 94 DOMAINE ALBIN JACUMIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE LES BEDINES NA RED 87 DOMAINE ALBIN JACUMIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE ALBIN JACUMIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE A AIME NA RED The bright, racy 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Begude des Papes Blanc is a total winner that shows how far the whites of this appellation have come. Based on 60% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, and the rest Bourboulenc, aged in new barrels and stainless steel, it has a vibrant bouquet of white citrus, white flowers, and a distinct saltiness that keeps you coming back to the glass. With good acidity, excellent purity of fruit, and a great finish, drink it over the coming 3-4 years. Kirsch, garrigue, graphite, and spice notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Si ky and incred bly elegant on the palate, it s not a blockbuster in the vintage, yet shines for its balance, seamless style, and finish. The blend is 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape A Aimé is a mix of permitted varieties that was vinified and aged in older barrels. It s similarly colored and has a bigger, richer bouquet of kirsch, caramelized blackberries, garrigue, and toasted spice. It has a touch of vanilla, full body, a sexy, opulent texture, and no hard edges. It s a seriously good Châteauneuf du Pape and, I suspect, the finest wine I ve ever tasted from the domaine. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 3

4 Based on close to equal parts Syrah and Grenache, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Les Bedines is another charming effort from this vintage. Classic berry fruits, leafy herbs, and pepper all flow to a medium-bodied, nicely textured, fresh 2017 that has good acidity as well as length. Moving to the barrel samples, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape looks to be outstanding, with classic garrigue, Asian spices, and both red and black fruits. It s medium to full-bodied, ripe, incredibly polished, and already a joy to drink. The blend is 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape A Aimé is going to be another rocking wine from this estate. A mix of permitted varieties, with a huge, floral bouquet of black cherries, blueberries, and spring flowers, it s fresh, focused, and elegant, with a great mid-palate. Slightly more finesse driven than the 2016, it s a beauty. DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU 2017 CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIN DI FELIBRE BLANC NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CENTENAIRE NA RED 95+ DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIN DI FELIBRE NA RED 94 DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU 2016 COTES DU RHONE SERIZIERS NA RED 88 DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE L EPHEMERE NA RED DOMAINE ANDRE MATHIEU 2017 COTES DU RHONE SERIZIERS NA RED 88 This family-run estate s history goes back to the 1600s but has been run by Andre Mathieu since Pulling from their 32 acres of vines, they ve hit home runs with these latest 2016s. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin Di Felibre Blanc is a rock-solid effort based on 100% Clairette that was brought up in 25% new demimuids. It gives up plenty of buttered citrus, brioche, dried tea, and caramelized notes, medium body, a layered textured, and good acidity. It s a clean, impeccably made white. Moving to the reds, the deep ruby/purple-colored 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape gives up a big, ripe, opulent bouquet of black cherries, blackberries, leafy herbs, peach pit, and pepper. It s ripe, slightly exotic, beautifully balanced, and medium to full-bodied. In short, it s a beautiful classic cuvée that will keep for years. The blend is mostly Grenache, yet it includes just about every permitted red and white variety, and it was brought up in foudre. Similarly colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Centenaire is more fresh and focused, with a huge nose of blackberry liqueur, crushed rocks, peppery garrigue, and graphite. It s rich, full-bodied, pure and elegant, with gorgeous purity of fruit. It s slightly more tight and closed than the classic cuvée and needs short-term cellaring, yet is a beautiful wine. The blend is predominantly Grenache with 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah, brought up mostly in foudre. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vin Di Felibre is more modern style and offers a saturated purple color to go with a huge blast of cassis and blackberry fruits, notes of toasty oak, melted licorice, and graphite, full body, a rounded, voluptuous, mouthfeel, and a huge finish. It s a ripe, monster of a modern-styled Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The blend of this beauty is 80% Mourvèdre, 10% Grenache, and the balance Syrah and other permitted varieties, brought up in tronconique tanks. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Seriziers is a gem, based on Grenache brought up all in concrete. It s lightly textured, charming, and thoroughly delicious, with pretty notes of cedary spice and assorted red and black fruits. I like its balance and it s ideal for drinking over the coming 3-4 years. Leading off the barrel samples, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a similar crazy mix of just about every variety out there and is being aged mostly in foudres. It offers a smoky, meaty, black-fruited style as well as complex notes of leather and peppery herbs. It s classic all the way, with medium body, ripe tannins, and good acidity. Made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah brought up in 50% new oak, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L Éphémère offers some background oak as well as ample sweet black raspberry fruits, Asian spices, ground pepper, and graphite. It s another ripe, balanced, impeccably made wine from this estate. Give it a few years once released. Peppery herbs, leather, crushed rock and crunchy black fruits emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Seriziers, which is medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, and focused on the palate. It s a solid, classic CDR to drink over the coming 4-6 years. ANDREAS LENZENWAGER ANDREAS LENZENWAGER 2017 VIN DE FRANCE DEFINITELY RED BLANC NA WHITE ANDREAS LENZENWAGER 2016 VIN DE FRANCE DEFINITELY RED NA RED 95 ANDREAS LENZENWAGER 2017 VIN DE FRANCE DEFINITELY RED NA RED Winemaker Andreas Lenzenwager is probably best known for his work at Domaine de Pégau, particularly with the whites, yet he has access to some old vine Grenache and makes a brilliant wine under his Definitely Red label. The 2017 Definitely Red Blanc is another interesting, singular wine from Andreas. Made from 100% Clairette hand crushed and aged all in barrel, it has rocking levels of concentration and richness as well as terrific spice, tea leaves, dried herbs, and dried citrus. It has another year in barrel but is certainly going to be a singular, unique, high-quality white. It should also age. Made from 100% Grenache, raised all in barrel, the 2016 Definitely Red DOMAINE LES APHILLANTHES DOMAINE LES APHILLANTHES 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU CUVEE DES GALETS NA RED DOMAINE LES APHILLANTHES 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SAINTE CECILE 3 CEPAGES NA RED DOMAINE LES APHILLANTHES 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED DOMAINE LES APHILLANTHES 2017 RASTEAU CUVEE 1921 NA RED DOMAINE LES APHILLANTHES 2017 GIGONDAS PROMESSSE NA RED I reviewed the 2016s from Domaine les Aphillanthes in last year s Southern Rhône report, but these latest 2017s are certainly in the same ballpark, if not a touch more elegant and seamless. As I said last year, readers looking for some of the best Côtes du Rhônes out there are well-advised to get on this estate s bandwagon. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Cuvée des Galets (60% Grenache and 20% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up in concrete) looks to be outstanding, with a deep, rich, concentrated style. Blackberries, black cherries, garrigue, and dried earth notes all flow to a fullbodied, deep, rich, powerful Côtes du Rhône. A blend of one-third each Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Sainte Cecile 3 Cépages has juicy, upfront fruit, medium to full body, and a beautiful elegance on the palate. Bright berry fruits, pepper, and floral notes all define the nose of this seamless, silky, sports a beautiful deep ruby color as well as a Burgundian nose of black cherries, forest floor, pepper, and crushed flowers. It s medium to full-bodied, deep, layered, and incredibly fine, with si ky (yet present) tannin, integrated acidity, and a beautiful finish. It s about as classy a Vin de France as you ll find in the country. Tasted as a barrel sample, the 2017 Definitely Red offers a gorgeous bouquet of kirsch, rose petals, flowers garden, and spice. It s medium to full-bodied, ultrafine, so pure, with great tannin and beautifully integrated acidity. No website found. beautiful wine. A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre that s from the sea of vines located between Vacqueyras and Cairanne, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Vieilles Vignes is still aging in concrete tanks. It s a ripe, opulent beauty that offers tons of black raspberries, toasted spice, garrigue and chocolate aromas and flavors. With a full-bodied, powerful, yet ultra-fine style, ripe tannin, and a great finish, it s going to be a screaming value. Let s hope it shows this spectacularly from bottle. The flagship cuvée is the 2017 Rasteau Cuvée 1921, made from 90% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre, and the balance Carignan. Offering incred ble freshness and purity in its blueberries, violets, spice, and incense aromas and flavors, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges, and serious length. This estate appears to have hit home runs in 2017, and this is another incredibly promising barrel sample! JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 4

5 The 2017 Gigondas Promessse (90% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault) is an elegant wine from this estate that still packs ample intensity. Plenty of red fruits, spice, orange peel, and peppery garrigue notes DOMAINE LA BARROCHE DOMAINE LA BARROCHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FIANCEE $69 RED 93 DOMAINE LA BARROCHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SIGNATURE $55 RED 95 DOMAINE LA BARROCHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PURE $110 RED 100 DOMAINE LA BARROCHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SIGNATURE NA RED DOMAINE LA BARROCHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PURE NA RED DOMAINE BARVILLE DOMAINE BARVILLE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $39 RED 93 DOMAINE BARVILLE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $39 RED The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is brilliant stuff, and probably the finest vintage of this wine to date. Based on 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, with classic red and black fruits, garrigue, and spice, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, an opulent texture, and sweet tannin. Drink it over the coming years. Not far back from the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (same blend) offers a beautiful purity in its strawberry, black raspberry, and blackberry fruits, with more complexity developing with time in the glass. Balanced, medium-bodied, incred bly charming, and silky, it s certainly going to be an outstanding wine. LA BASTIDE SAINT DOMINIQUE LA BASTIDE SAINT DOMINIQUE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC 36 WHITE 93 LA BASTIDE SAINT DOMINIQUE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED 90 LA BASTIDE SAINT DOMINIQUE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED LA BASTIDE SAINT DOMINIQUE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $37 RED LA BASTIDE SAINT DOMINIQUE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SECRETS DE PIGNAN $60 RED LA BASTIDE SAINT DOMINIQUE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES HESPERIDES $55 RED For whatever reason, this estate opted not submit any 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Papes. Winemaker Eric Bonnet always makes a terrific white and his 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is beautiful. Based on equal parts Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette Rose, aged in stainless steel, it gives up a juicy, v brant bouquet of apple blossoms, citrus, and mint. With mediumbodied depth and richness, a clean, refreshing, yet concentrated style, and a great finish, it s a no-brainer purchase to drink over the coming 4-5 years. Moving to the reds and based on 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and other permitted varieties, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages is a soft, supple, sexy 2016 that s loaded with notions of sweet black cherries, blackberries, and peppery herbs. It s forward, undeniably delicious, and perfect for near-term drinking. As with all of Eric s wines, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages leads with its fruit and has tons of blackberry, blueberry, and black cherry notes. With medium to full-bodied richness, good complexity, nicely integrated acidity, and a good finish, it s going to be a terrific, possibly outstanding Côtes du all flow to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, silky wine that stays light and balanced on the palate. I love its balance, it has no hard edges, and is going to be another gem to seek out. The brilliant Julien Barrot has recently completed work on his new cellar located just across from Clos de Pape, inside the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and he continues to make a pure, elegant style of wine from his roughly 32 acres of vines, most of which are on sandy soils. While the estate has produced wine for decades now (although the first commercial vintage was 2003), the first truly breakout vintage was He s followed that up with a succession of incredible wines in just about every vintage. Looking at the 2016s, this is another great vintage here, and the wines resemble what was produced in 2010, although with slightly more elegance and approachability. I don t see the 2017s hitting the heights of the 2005s, 2007s, 2010, or 2016s, but one thing I ve learned after reviewing these wines since their debut is that they always show better from bottle than barrel. Simply put, life is too short not to drink quantities of Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Julien Barrot! One of the top Syrah dominated cuvées in any vintage it s released, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Fiancée (50/50 Grenache and Syrah) is partially destemmed and brought up in a mix of foudre and demi-muids. It has a deep, dense, gamey style as well as a big, rich, full-bodied profile on the palate. This deeply colored effort shows more and more saddle leather and pepper with time in the glass and is a beautiful effort that has one foot in the Northern Rhône and one in the Southern Rhône. The quality of what could be considered the entry-level cuvée from Barrot is the equivalent of most estate s top wine, and the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Signature delivers the goods again. It s almost too good and certainly not far behind the Pure cuvée. A blend of 62% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault, Syrah, Vaccarèse, and Clairette Rose, brought up in foudre and demimuid, it sports a head-turning bouquet of kirsch liqueur, blackberries, crushed herbs, and pepper. With a big mid-palate, full body, ripe tannins, and a rocking finish, it s a no-brainer purchase that will keep for two decades. Similarly colored to the Signature cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pure boasts a heavenly, classic Pure perfume of wild strawberries, kirsch, and black cherries intermixed with exotic spices, crushed flowers, nori (the seaweed wrapper used for sushi), and sandy, loamy, earthy notes. Possessing full-bodied richness and a multi-dimensional, ultra-fine, yet intense and powerful style on the palate, it has the purity of the vintage and is just a quintessential example of this cuvée that couldn t get any better. It reminds me of the 2005, only with more purity and freshness. It s already sensational (it s probably the most approachable vintage of this cuvée I remember) but this cuvée always gains depth and weight with bottle age. Give it 3-4 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles over the following two decades. Hats off to the young Julien Barrot for yet another truly sensational wine. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Signature is beautiful as well and has classic kirsch and blackberry fruits, lots of licorice and pepper, building minerality, and full-bodied richness. It shows the sexy style of the vintage yet has terrific density. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pure is another brilliant wine, and while I m not convinced it has the depth of the 2016 (or 2005), it s certainly not far behind. Its vivid purple color is followed by a heavenly bouquet of black cherries, blueberries, lavender, violets, and garrigue. It s rich, full-bodied, powerful and concentrated, with the sexy style of the vintage giving it tons of charm. It s also beautifully balanced. Rhône. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault) offers a ripe, medium to full-bodied, powerful profile as well as perfumed blue fruits, incense, and violets. This sexy barrel sample has wonderful purity of fruit and is well worth seeking out. Certainly one of the wines of the vintage, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secrets de Pignan is, as always, 100% Grenache from the sandy soils of the Pignan lieu-dit. This site lies just beside Rayas, and I always find a similar elegance from this vineyard as well. Blueberries, crushed violets, incense, and new leather notes all emerge from this full-bodied, powerful, yet balanced 2017 that has sweet tannin and ample mid-palate depth. It s another winner. Another special cuvée from Bonnet is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hesperides. Always equal parts Mourvèdre and Grenache brought up in demi-muids and stainless steel, it s a bigger, richer wine that has loads of structure, yet it still has the supple, sexy style of the vintage. Blackberries, graphite, chocolate, and smoked herb characters all develop beautifully, and it s a complete, balanced, thrilling wine. bastide-st-dominique.com DOMAINE DE LA BASTIDONNE DOMAINE DE LA BASTIDONNE 2016 VENTOUX LES COUTILLES NA RED 89 DOMAINE DE LA BASTIDONNE 2016 VENTOUX LES HAUTS DE CHANTEPERDIX NA RED 91 The 2016 Ventoux Les Coutilles is a rich, powerful wine that has tons of chocolaty dark fruits, peppery herbs, and spice aromas and flavors. It s more elegant on the palate than the nose would have you believe and is beautifully balanced. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 5

6 The 2016 Ventoux Les Hauts de Chanteperdix is another inky colored wine. Blackberries, violets, pepper, and spice notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, si ky, seamless red that has beautiful balance and length. It s another wine that has a powerful nose yet turns, elegant and silky on the palate. CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2017 COTES DU RHONE COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL BLANC NA WHITE CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ROUSSANNE VIEILLES VIGNES NA WHITE CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2016 COTES DU RHONE COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL NA RED 92 CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 96+ CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HOMMAGE A JACQUES PERRIN NA RED 100 CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2017 COTES DU RHONE RESERVE NA RED CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2017 COTES DU RHONE COUDOULET DE BEAUCASTEL NA RED CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED CHATEAU DE BEAUCASTEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HOMMAGE A JACQUES PERRIN NA RED FAMILLE PERRIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE RESERVE BLANC NA WHITE FAMILLE PERRIN 2016 VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS NA RED 90 FAMILLE PERRIN 2016 GIGONDAS LA GILLE NA RED 93 FAMILLE PERRIN 2016 GIGONDAS CLOS DES TOURELLES NA RED 99 FAMILLE PERRIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SINARDS NA RED 90 FAMILLE PERRIN 2017 VINSOBRES LES CORNUDS NA RED FAMILLE PERRIN 2017 GIGONDAS LA GILLE NA RED FAMILLE PERRIN 2017 GIGONDAS CLOS DES TOURELLES NA RED FAMILLE PERRIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SINARDS NA RED FAMILLE PERRIN 2017 VINSOBRES LES HAUTS DE JULIEN NA RED One of the old guards of the region, Château de Beaucastel is nevertheless one of the most progressive and forward-thinking estates out there. They have a wealth of old vine Mourvèdre planted in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du- Pape and have purchased heavily in the cooler appellation of Gigondas. They ve broken the lineup into their Château de Beaucastel releases for the estate wines from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and several additional cuvées released under their Famille Perrin label. Looking at the 2016s, these wines remind me of how the 2001s tasted on release. They are some of the finest wines in the vintage as well as ever made at the estate. These are classic, concentrated, yet perfectly balanced wines that will benefit from bottle age. In contrast, the 2017s are also brilliant but more forward and charming, and I suspect the preponderance of clay soils at this estate helped dramatically with keeping the vines ripening grapes as opposed to shutting down during this hot, dry vintage. A year in, year out value is the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel Blanc which is always a blend of Viognier, Marsanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc. Classic notes of white peaches, flowers, honeysuckle, and almond all emerge from this medium-bodied, supple, textured effort that has plenty of richness and length. Drink it over the coming 2-4 years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is another brilliant white from this team that hasn t put a foot wrong in the past decade or more. Buttered citrus, honeysuckle, flower oil, and white flowers all flow to this rich, beautifully layered, fresh and v brant white that s impeccably balanced. Scheduled to be bottled shortly after my visit, it s unquestionably another great vintage for this wine. Last of the whites, huge notes of buttered citrus, exotic flowers, pineapple, honeysuckle, and almond notes all emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Roussanne Vieilles Vignes, a rich, yet fresh, elegant, vibrant barrel sample that does everything right. You can t find a wine like this anywhere else in the world, and it s consistently one of the world s great white wines. Bottled three weeks ago, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet de Beaucastel sports a deep ruby/purple color as well as terrific freshness in its blueberry, violets, raspberry, and spring flower aromas and flavors. Showing the vintages purity and elegance, it still packs ample oomph and richness. Drink it over the coming decade. Being bottled the day of my visit, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in as a blend of 30% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Counoise, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. It offers a ripe, sexy, rounded style that quickly shows more structure, minerality, and tannin with time in the glass. Blackberries, blueberries, smoked earth, violets, and garrigue all give way to a full-bodied, deep, structured Beaucastel that s going to benefit from 5-7 years of bottle age and keep for two decades. It reminds me of the The flagship is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin, 75% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, 10% Grenache, and the rest Counoise, brought up all in foudre. Blueberries, Peking duck, new saddle leather, black cherries, scorched earth, and an incred ble sense of minerality all flow to a massive, concentrated, pure, perfectly balanced 2016 that is a prime example of the old saying, an iron fist in a velvet glove. It s a heavenly, perfect wine that s going to live for years. Made from 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Reserve offers a rounded, supple, balanced style to go with pretty red and black fruits, peppery herbs, and garrigue notes. It s charming, supple and polished. Based on 30% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah, and 20% Cinsault, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Coudoulet always comes from the same vineyard located just to the north of Chateau Beaucastel, across the A7 interstate. Garrigue, ripe cherries, some dried earth and stony notes all give way to a medium-bodied, elegant, classically built Côtes du Rhône that has enough structure to keep for a decade. Moving to the two Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases and 35% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 12% Counoise, the rest other permitted varieties (Marc calls this a Mourvèdre vintage), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports an inky purple color as well as a textbook Mourvèdre nose of black, black fruits, smoked meats, crushed rocks, charcoal, and pepper. It s deep and full-bodied, with beautiful purity and building structure. Production is down 40%, but this brilliant wine is certainly in the same league as the Lastly, the inky colored 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage A Jacques Perrin is the usual Mourvèdre dominated blend of 85% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah, Grenache, and Counoise, brought up in a single foudre. Offering an extraordinary bouquet of blueberries, smoked meat, iodine, and violets, this beauty hits the palate with a massive, rich, structured style that carries serious amounts of tannin, fruit, and extract. It has the purity of fruit to drink reasonably well in its youth, but it s going to need a decade of cellaring to begin to approach maturity. A blend of 30% Viognier, 20% Grenache Blanc, and the rest Marsanne and Clairette, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Reserve Blanc has a stony, mineral style as well as plenty of citrus, hints of tangerine, and mineral notes. It s balanced, juicy and lively, with plenty to love. A smoking value, the 2016 Vinsobres Les Cornuds is a spicy, cedary, and peppery effort that has classic garrigue and saddle leather notes, medium body, ripe tannin, and a good finish. It s a terrific wine that sells for a great price. Medium ruby-colored, the 2016 Gigondas La Gille (90% Grenache and the rest other permitted varieties) is silky and polished, with beautiful kirsch, dried earth, spice box and dried flowers aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, pure, and polished, it s already drinking nicely yet has enough tannin (not to mention balance) to keep for a decade. As with the 2017, the 2016 Gigondas Clos des Tourelles comes from vines inside the village. It s noticeably deeper in color than the La Gille and gives up a huge bouquet of blueberries, violets, smoked duck, and crushed rocks. Deep, full-bodied, concentrated, and multi-dimensional, it has building tannin and a huge finish. It needs time, but wow, what a wine. Hats off to the Perrin family for this utterly sensational wine. The entry-level, younger vine 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards is classic, offering plenty of peppery herbs, red and black fruits, spice, and a touch of new saddle leather. It s medium-bodied, silky, and balanced, and shows how terrific this vintage was for the region. Based on 50% Syrah and 50% Grenache, the 2017 Vinsobres Les Cornuds sports a deep ruby color as well as a gorgeous nose of cassis, blackberries, ground pepper and violets. The Syrah is dominating at the moment, and it hits the palate with beautiful purity of fruit, ripe tannin, and a great finish. It s one seriously good barrel sample. Ripe, rounded, and sexy, with lots of classic spice, dried herbs, red fruits, and JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 6

7 licorice, the 2017 Gigondas La Gille is medium to full-bodied, has beautiful density, and a ripe, rounded, layered textured. As with many of this domaine s 2017s, it s certainly in the same ballpark as the 2016 (which is saying something). More red fruits, garrigue, spice, and obvious minerality define the 2017 Gigondas Clos des Tourelles, which comes from vines inside the village of Gigondas. It s full-bodied, elegant and seamless, with gorgeous purity of fruit, and fine yet certainly present tannin. It s going to drink beautifully out of the gate and keep for years. The entry-level Châteauneuf is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards, which comes from younger vines throughout the appellation. It has terrific blackberry, blueberry, spring flower, and mineral aromas and flavors, medium-bodied richness, terrific purity, and a clean, balanced, undeniably delicious style. Consistently one of the gems of the Southern Rhône, I always feel the 2017 Vinsobres Les Hauts de Julien has a slightly Northern Rhône-l ke style. Cassis, black cherries, violets, spring flowers, and menthol notes all emerge from this deep purple-colored beauty. Medium to full-bodied, ripe, and opulent on the palate, it has ripe, polished tannin, a layered texture and gorgeous purity. CHATEAU BEAUCHENE CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC VIGNOBLES DE LA SERRIERE BLANC NA WHITE 91 CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VIOGNIER NA WHITE 84 CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2017 COTES DU RHONE GRANDE RESERVE BLANC NA WHITE 87 CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2016 COTES DU RHONE PREMIER TERROIR NA RED 89 CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRANDE RESERVE NA RED CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HOMMAGE A ODETTE BERNARD NA RED CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIGNOBLES DE LA SERRIÈRE NA RED CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2017 COTES DU RHONE LE PAVILLON NA RED 89 CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LES CHARMES NA RED 88 CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VIGNOBLE DE LA VIALLE NA RED 90 CHATEAU BEAUCHENE 2017 COTES DU RHONE GRANDE RESERVE NA RED 88 Winemaker/owner Michel Bernard appears to have turned out a bevy of brilliant 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Papes, both of which were tasted as barrel samples. In addition to his Châteauneuf du Pape releases, he produces a number of Côtes du Rhônes that are classic and well-made. Brilliant stuff, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Vignobles de La Serrière Blanc is based on close to equal parts Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Clairette. It gives up outstanding notes of lemon curd, spice, and brioche, with more minerality on the palate. It s rich, textured, and layered, with notable purity and freshness. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Viognier is fat, slightly flat white that offers some melon and apricot fruit. It would work with a cream sauce or heavier foods yet needs more zip. A solid effort based on equal parts Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne and Clairette, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve Blanc is another rich, textured, yet fresh white from this estate. It offers classic citrus blossom, peach, and a touch of salinity, and will be versatile on the dinner table. I loved the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Premier Terroir, a classic yet elegant Côtes du Rhône with its pretty black cherries, spring flower, and obvious minerality. Clean, classy and balanced, with medium-bodied depth and richness, it should keep for 4-6 years. Moving to the reds, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grande Réserve (80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre) was completely destemmed and spent 18 months in mostly older barrels. It offers a darker, traditional, peppery style as well as a charming, beautifully balanced style on the palate. It should certainly be outstanding. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage À Odette Bernard is a special cuvée that sees a slightly longer élevage. Rocking notes of black cherries, new leather, and spice give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, yet beautifully elegant 2016 that just glides across the palate. It s another outstanding wine from this estate. Last of the 2016s, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vignobles de La Serrière is the same blend as all the cuvées here (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre) and comes from a mix of rolled stones and sandstone soils. It s a rich, powerful wine that has loads of black cherry fruit, lavender, rose petal, and peppery herb aromas and flavors. With ripe tannins, plenty of mid-palate depth, and terrific complexity, it will drink nicely for years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Le Pavillon is impressive and has a clean, classic bouquet of black raspberries, new leather, and sappy green herbs. Medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, and ripe, it s loaded with character. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Charmes is a beefy, meaty wine that has plenty of spiced red fruits and floral notes, medium body, and nicely integrated acidity. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Vignoble de La Vialle is terrific as well, with lots of black raspberries, spice, dried flowers, and some orange peel l ke aromas and flavors. It s elegant, medium-bodied, and balanced. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Grande Réserve has similar garrigue, peppery herbs, and classic red and black fruits. It s balanced, Provençal, and will keep for 4-6 years. The blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD (PAUL COULON ET FILS) DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD (PAUL COULON ET FILS) 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC $55 WHITE 93 DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD (PAUL COULON ET FILS) 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC BOISRENARD $85 WHITE 96 DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD (PAUL COULON ET FILS) 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $55 RED 90 DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD (PAUL COULON ET FILS) 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BOISRENARD $85 RED 98 DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD (PAUL COULON ET FILS) 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE DE BEAURENARD (PAUL COULON ET FILS) 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BOISRENARD NA RED Brothers Daniel and Frederic Coulon continue to keep this estate near the top of the hierarchy in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They produce two whites and two reds from their roughly 80 acres of vines with both the classic red and white seeing traditional vinifications and élevages, and the top red and white Boisrenard cuvées seeing a touch of new oak in their élevage. All the wines show classic characters and shine more for their balance and purity than sheer opulence and power. Despite this, the 2016s are unquestionably the most powerful and concentrated wines from this estate since their incred ble 2001s. A white that always delivers, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, Clairette, and the rest Picardan and Picpoul Blanc) offers rocking notes of citrus blossom, liquid rocks, white flowers, and spice. It s v brant, racy, and has fabulous balance and purity. It will keep for two-plus decades. Even better, the flagship 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Boisrenard (42% Clairette, 32% Roussanne, and the rest nearly every permitted variety) offers sensational notes of caramelized citrus, brioche, and buttered apples, and it too picks up a liquid rock-like minerality with time in the glass. Dense, concentrated, medium to full-bodied, and ultra-pure, it s consistently one of the top whites from the appellation, and the 2017 is no exception. Moving to the reds, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers plenty of Bing cherry, spice, and some salty minerality in a fresh, elegant, incred bly Burgundian style. It s finesse-driven, has terrific purity, and will evolve nicely for years. More complex and nuanced as well as powerful, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Boisrenard is a field blend (two-thirds Grenache and the rest a mix of varieties) that spent 18 months in a combination of older barrels, new barrels, and foudre. Its deep purple/ruby color is followed by a sensational perfume of blackberries, black raspberries, Asian spices, and graphite. With full-bodied richness, building tannin, remarkable purity, and a huge finish, it s going to rival the 2001 as the best vintage to date. You should have this in your cellar. As to the barrel samples, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a ripe, dense, powerful profile as well as loads of currant and cassis fruits, full body, a big, rich mid-palate, and a blockbuster finish. I hope it shows this well from bottle! More Burgundian, with a silky, elegant, finesse-driven style, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard is medium to full-bodied and nicely structured, with beautiful purity in its cassis, black cherry, flowers, forest floor, and leafy herb-like aromas and flavors. This wine always picks up depth and richness in bottle and is going to benefit from short-term cellaring. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 7

8 DOMAINE BELLEVUE DOMAINE BELLEVUE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SIGNARGUES NA RED? The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues has a distinct spritz and is not recommended. No website found. DOMAINE BENEDETTI DOMAINE BENEDETTI 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE BENEDETTI 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 88 DOMAINE BENEDETTI 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 94 DOMAINE BENEDETTI 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LARMES PAPALES NA RED 96 DOMAINE BENEDETTI 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 89 DOMAINE BENEDETTI 2016 COTES DU RHONE VIELLES VIGNES NA RED 91 Domaine Benedetti s first commercial release was in 1998, with the wine sold to négoçiants before that. Today the wines are made by Nicolas Benedetti, and I think it s safe to say these 2016s are unquestionably the greatest wines to date. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is fresh and focused, with medium body and rock-solid notes of spiced apples, white flowers, and buttered citrus. Based on 40% Grenache Blanc, 40% Roussanne and the rest Bourboulenc, drink it over the coming 3-4 years. A good value, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc offers medium-bodied notes of white peaches, tangerines, and rose petals, with some building minerality. It s clean, elegant, and lightly textured, and ideal for near-term drinking. As to the reds, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is sensational juice! Made from 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault, brought up in 20% new barrels (the balance was in old barrels and concrete), it boasts tons of black cherry, earth, graphite, and peppery garrigue notes in a rich, powerful, yet beautifully balanced package. This cuvée comes from the La Crau, Pradel and Saintes Vierges lieux-dits, which are a mix of rolled stones and clay. The special cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Larmes Papales, 100% Grenache that was brought up in concrete tanks and demi-muids. Just sensational anyway you look at it, with flamboyant notes of blackberries, roasted herbs, melted licorice, and Asian spices, this beauty is ripe, powerful, and full-bodied, with sweet tannin and a great finish. It s for the Grenache lovers out there and will keep for years. Despite its rich, powerful style, this beauty just glides over the palate. Bravo! The base 2016 Côtes du Rhône offers a medium-bodied, fresh, nicely focused profile and has classic peppery herbs, licorice, and darker fruits. This cuvée is 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, brought up in a mix of concrete and older barrels. Even better, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Vielles Vignes (70/30 Grenache and Syrah) has outstanding notes of blackberries, ground pepper, new leather, and garrigue. It s medium-bodied, concentrated, and perfectly balanced. It s a sensational wine that offers everything you could want from a Côtes du Rhône. MAISON LA BERTHAUDE MAISON LA BERTHAUDE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES $40 RED 91 MAISON LA BERTHAUDE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION $25 RED 89 MAISON LA BERTHAUDE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE DES VIGNES CENTENAIRES $60 RED 94 The old vine 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes cuvée is a step up. Black cherries, damp herbs, sappy garrigue and floral notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, nicely balanced wine that will keep for a decade. This cuvée is 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and the rest Cinsault and Clairette that comes from the la Bertaude, Bois Lauzon, Cabrieres, and Chapouin lieux-dits. It was destemmed and aged in a mix of foudre, tank, and barrels (6% being new). Deep ruby-colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition (80/20 Grenache and Syrah) offers traditional notes of blackberries, ground pepper, smoked earth, and leafy herbs. It s nicely textured, balanced, medium to full-bodied, and delicious. It should be even better with shortterm cellaring. On another level, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Vignes Centenaires is unquestionably the most sexy, ripe and exuberant in the lineup, offering kirsch liqueur, graphite, garrigue, and ample spice. It s rich, full-bodied, beautifully textured, and sexy. This beauty is based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, raised in 30% new French oak. Don t miss it! No website found. DOMAINE DU BIENHEUREUX DOMAINE DU BIENHEUREUX 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DU BIENHEUREUX 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED A producer I m not familiar with, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from rolled stone terroirs and is 90% Grenache and 10% Cinsault, brought up all in stainless steel. Bright black cherries, mu berry, and spice notes give way to a juicy, clean, nicely balanced red that has juicy acidity and a clean finish. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is in the same ballpark, with plenty of dark fruits and peppery herbs, medium to full body, solid richness and depth, and excellent purity of fruit. It s a classic, old-school effort to drink over the coming 7-8 years. No website found. DOMAINE BOIS DE BOURSAN DOMAINE BOIS DE BOURSAN2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE BOIS DE BOURSAN2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DES FELIX NA RED DOMAINE BOIS DE BOURSAN2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE BOIS DE BOURSAN2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DES FELIX NA RED DOMAINE BOIS DE BOURSAN2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES BAUD NA RED I continue to love the wines of Jean-Paul Versino, and these are as classic and traditional as they come. Still not bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a terrific wine, as well as a great example of the vintage. Ripe and upfront, with a gorgeous bouquet of black cherries, blackberries, new saddle leather, and roasted herbs, it s full-bodied, has sensational depth and richness, ripe, yet present tannin, and a great finish. Give it a few years and drink it over the following years. Also not yet bottled the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Felix offers a similar level of concentration, yet is more tight, structured, and elegant. Currants, scorched earth, leather, and ground pepper notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful, concentrated 2016 that s going to benefit from short-term cellaring yet cruise for two decades. This cuvée is 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of varieties, all aged in very old barrels. Leading off the barrel samples, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (70% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties) is a medium to full-bodied, classic, balanced effort that shows the charming, perfumed style of the vintage. Sandalwood, saddle leather, and assorted street market notes all emerge from this classic, structured, tannic 2017 that s going to benefit from short-term cellaring. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Felix is a small step back from the 2016 and offers more dried red and black fruits, peppery herbs, licorice and graphite, medium to full body, good acidity, and serious amounts of tannins. Give this old-school beauty 3-4 years of bottle age. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Baud is a special cuvée that s not produced in every vintage. It s made from 100% Grenache and comes from the Pied de Baud and Saint Georges lieux-dits, which are slightly more sandy soils. Aged in old barrels, it has a little more concentration and flesh than the Cuvée des Felix and offers loads of red and black fruits, tobacco, peppery herbs, and ample sandy, loamy, soil-like minerality. This sexy 2017 will need 2-3 years of bottle age and drink beautifully for a decade. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 8

9 DOMAINE DU BOIS DE SAINT JEAN DOMAINE DU BOIS DE SAINT JEAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91 DOMAINE DU BOIS DE SAINT JEAN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES GADAGNE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DU BOIS DE SAINT JEAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED I loved the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a peppery, darker fruited, slightly modern-styled effort that has full-bodied aromas and flavors, ripe tannin, and a concentrated, yet fresh style. It shows a touch of graphite with time in the glass and I suspect will benefit from short-term cellaring. Leading with its fruit, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Gadagne boasts a deep purple color and ripe, upfront notes of blackberries, DOMAINE BOISSON DOMAINE BOISSON 2017 CAIRANNE LES TROIS TERROIRS $20 RED DOMAINE BOISSON 2017 CAIRANNE EXIGENCE $30 RED The 2017 Cairanne Les Trois Terroirs from Domaine Boisson is well worth checking out, and my money is on it being an outstanding bottle of wine. Offering up lots of black and blue fruits, hints of violets, peppery herbs, and earth, medium to full body, and ripe tannins, it has a lot going for it and is going to be a delicious drinker to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years. With more density and depth as well as a more modern style, the 2017 Cairanne Exigence (80% Grenache and the rest mostly Syrah and Mourvèdre) boasts a deep purple color as well as a great nose of cassis, toasted spices, graphite, and incense. Deep, medium to full-bodied, and downright sexy, this beauty will drink nicely for at least 7-8 years. BONPAS BONPAS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BONUS PASSUS NA RED 89 BONPAS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BONUS PASSUS NA RED The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Bonus Passus is a charmer. Sweet red fruits, flowers, spice, and white flower notes all give way to a mediumbodied, silky red that has sweet tannin and a great finish. In the same ballpark, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Bonus Passus offers plenty of sweet red fruits, garrigue, and spice aromas and flavors, and it too is medium-bodied, elegant, and downright charming on the palate. Drink it on release and over the following 6-8 years. No website found. BOSQUET DES PAPES BOSQUET DES PAPES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 BOSQUET DES PAPES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE A LA GLOIRE DE MON GRAND-PERE NA RED 97 BOSQUET DES PAPES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHANTE LE MERLE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 96+ BOSQUET DES PAPES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA FOLIE NA RED 99 BOSQUET DES PAPES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED BOSQUET DES PAPES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE A LA GLOIRE DE MON GRAND-PERE NA RED BOSQUET DES PAPES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHANTE LE MERLE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED DOMAINE NICOLAS BOIRON 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE NICOLAS BOIRON 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED The gregarious Nicolas Boiron continues to produce an incredible lineup of wines that span the gamut from staunchly traditional in style, with plenty of stems and mostly concrete tanks aging, to close to 100% Grenache cuvées that are destemmed and aged in small amounts of new oak. Regardless, the wines today are impeccably made and show classic Southern Rhône characters. It s worth noting that while the wines have always been solid, the quality soared around the 2010 vintage and today this estate unquestionably produces some of the top wines in the appellation. A true gem of a wine, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in as 75% Grenache, 12% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and the balance a mix of permitted varieties. This classic cuvée comes from a multitude of sites throughout the appellation and is partially destemmed and brought up in concrete tanks and demi-muids. Terrific notes of peppery garrigue, new leather, and sweet red and black fruits all give way to a silky, seamless, full-bodied Châteauneuf-du- Pape that has no hard edges and a great finish. The classic cuvées are so good in 2016, it makes you wonder if the more expensive special cuvées are worth it. I was questioning if the top cuvées were worth the money after tasting the traditional cuvée from winemaker Nicolas Boiron, then I tasted his 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape A La Gloire de Mon Grand-Père and decided that, yes indeed, the special cuvées in 2016 can certainly be worth the uptick in price. Based almost exclusively on Grenache (there s a splash of Cinsault and Clairette) sourced from the La Gardiole lieu-dit and aged mostly in demimuids, this heavenly beauty offers awesome notes of garrigue, toasted spices, flowers, licorice and loads of sweet Grenache fruit. Voluptuous, flamboyant, and sexy, yet also elegant and seamless, with a weightless texture, this is Grenache at its finest and is going to knock your socks off over the coming years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes is much more classic in style when compared to the La Gloire de Mon Grand- Père. It s a non-destemmed blend of 86% Grenache and the balance equal parts Mourvèdre and Syrah, aged in a mix of foudre, concrete tanks, and demi-muids. Classic notes of black fruits, smoked herbs, seaweed, licorice, and pepper as well tons of minerality all emerge from this powerful, fullbodied, structured 2016 that has the purity of fruit and balance that s the blueberries, scorched earth, and pepper as well as a kiss of new leather with time in the glass. It s fresh, concentrated, and a terrific drink. The only 2017 I was able to taste, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a smoky, garrigue, meaty, slightly nutty bouquet as well as good density of fruit, ripe tannins, and solid overall balance. It s certainly a high-quality barrel sample. hallmark of this great, great vintage. Forget bottles for 4-5 years and enjoy over the following two decades. The deepest colored of the trio and a true Wow wine, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Folie is 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre that was completely destemmed and brought up 10% new barrels, with the balance in demi-muids. An insane bouquet of black cherry liqueur, blackberries, crushed rocks, and pepper garrigue gives way to a full-bodied, incredibly polished, seamless Grenache. This beauty does everything right and possesses a vibrant, sexy texture, no hard edges, and a blockbuster finish. It will most likely merit a triple-digit score in a few years and cruise for a decade or more. Leading off the barrel samples, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers an impressively concentrated, rich, powerful style as well as classic aromatics of scorched earth, black cherries, blackberries, and pepper. It s an old-school powerhouse done brilliantly. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape A La Gloire de Mon Grand-Père is also brilliant and, as always, shows a sexier, opulent personality. Black raspberries, currants, strawberries, and spicy notes all emerge from this fullbodied beauty that has a clean, balanced, layered texture that just glides over the palate. Don t miss it. More traditional notes of sandalwood, garrigue, pepper, and assorted red and black fruits emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chante Le Merle Vieilles Vignes. It s the normal blend of mostly Grenache with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre, fermented with no destemming and aged mostly in foudre. With full body, a layered, balanced texture, and moderate tannins, it s going to be relatively approachable on release yet have two decades of overall longevity. I was able to taste two Côtes du Rhônes from Nicolas Boiron, both well worth seeking out. Traditional notes of pepper, blackberry, cherries and leather notes all emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône. It s ripe, sexy, and balanced, with an ultra-classic, old-school style. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône from Boiron is another concentrated, classic wine. Blackberries, pepper, earth, and ample minerality all give way to a medium-bodied, concentrated, rich effort that s going to keep for at least 4-6 years. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 9

10 DOMAINE LA BOUTINIERE DOMAINE LA BOUTINIERE 2016 COTES DU RHONE LE FABULEUX DESTIN AMELIE BOUTIN NA RED 87 DOMAINE LA BOUTINIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $50 RED 88 DOMAINE LA BOUTINIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRANDE RESERVE $80 RED 92 Domaine la Boutinière was established in 1929 by Félix Vidal but didn t release an estate bottling until The wines are made by Frédéric Boutin today. Starting with the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Le Fabuleux Destin Amélie Boutin, this solid effort has pretty notes of kirsch, black cherries, dried flowers, and spice. It s fresh, ready to go and has bright acidity. Drink up. Spice, garrigue, and sweet red fruits emerge from the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape. Medium-bodied, charming and lightly textured, it s a balanced, BROTTE BROTTE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LAUDUN BLANC $14 WHITE 89 BROTTE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LAUDUN BORD ELEGANCE NA RED 90 BROTTE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LAUDUN CHATEAU DE BORD $40 RED 91 BROTTE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SECRET BARVILLE $53 RED 95 BROTTE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES HAUTS DE BARVILLE NA RED BROTTE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SECRET DE BARVILLE NA RED This estate makes a terrific white. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Blanc (60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Viognier, and the rest Clairette and Roussanne) has plenty of white flowers, citrus blossom, and salty minerality in a clean, pure, nicely balanced package. Drink it anytime over the coming year or two. Moving to the reds, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Bord Elegance lives up to its name and is undeniably elegant and silky, with classy notes of black raspberries, black cherries, and sappy flowers. It s medium-bodied and finesse-driven, with fabulous purity of fruit. As to the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Château de Bord, this beauty got a big Wow in the notes and is a seriously good wine (although it s not cheap either). Terrific dark fruits, scorched earth, violets, and peppery notes all flow to a rich, full-bodied, beautifully balanced 2016 that shines for its purity of fruit. A blend of 60/40 Grenache and Syrah, brought up in 20% new barrels, it s going to drink nicely for at least 4-5 years. One of the finest wines I ve tasted from this estate is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Secret Barville. This blend of mostly Grenache (there s 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre) boasts a deep purple color and sensational notes of blackberries, peppery herbs, new leather and cured meats. Full-bodied, mouthfilling, supple and elegant, with gorgeous purity and finesse, it s just a killer wine. Both the 2017 barrel samples showed brilliantly. The 2017 Châteauneufdu-Pape Les Hauts de Barville shows the more ripe, flamboyant style of the vintage and has full body, a rounded, sexy texture, and tons of garrigue, pepper, and spice aromas and flavors. In the same ballpark (at least at the moment), the 2017 Châteauneufdu-Pape Secret de Barville offers more strawberry and black raspberries fruits intermixed with lots of spice and garrigue aromas and flavors. It too is full-bodied, has sweet tannins, and is just loaded with charm. DOMAINE LA CABOTTE DOMAINE LA CABOTTE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES MASSIF D UCHAUX GABRIEL NA RED 88 DOMAINE LA CABOTTE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 89 DOMAINE LA CABOTTE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES MASSIF D UCHAUX GARANCE NA RED 87 Lots of peppery herbs, olive, and darker fruits emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d Uchaux Gabriel, a gamey, medium-bodied, enjoyable effort. The blend is equal parts Syrah and Grenache and it will keep for 3-5 years. The finest wine I ve tasted from this estate is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Vieilles Vignes, which offers a classic feel in its peppery garrigue, olive tapenade and black fruit driven bouquet. I always find a certain herbaceousness in this wine, but this 2016 is terrific. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d Uchaux Garance is classic stuff with its dried herbes de Provence, leather, and savory red fruits. With medium body, fine tannin, and a character-filled style, drink it over the coming 3-5 years. CHATEAU CABRIERES CHATEAU CABRIERES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION $50 RED CHATEAU CABRIERES 2017 COTES DU RHONE RD68 $20 RED The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition checks in as a blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Cinsault. Cassis, violets, damp earth, and chocolate notes all flow to a rich, full-bodied, powerful red that has sweet tannins and a terrific finish. It s ripe, opulent and concentrated, and a classic Châteauneuf du Pape to drink over the coming decade. A blend of equal parts Syrah and Grenache from vines not far from the domaine of Marcoux, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Rd68 offers a great nose of currants, kirsch, dried earth, and savory garrigue. Sweetly fruited and balanced, it has plenty of richness as well as a light, deliciously drinkable style. DOMAINE CALENDAL DOMAINE CALENDAL 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU CALENDAL NA RED 95 DOMAINE CALENDAL 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU CALENDAL NA RED My money is on the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Calendal, from brilliant consultant Philippe Cambie, being the finest example of this cuvée to date, and it s certainly one of the finest Côtes du Rhônes ever produced as well. Made from 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre brought up in barrel, this full-bodied beauty boasts a saturated purple color as well as a huge nose of cassis, toasted spices, crushed flowers, and hints of garrigue. It s elegant, workhorse style effort to drink over the coming 4-5 years. The smaller production 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grande Réserve is mostly Grenache yet has 3% Syrah and 2% Mourvèdre. It was partially destemmed and brought up in tronconique tanks for one year. Deeper purple-colored, with a dark fruited, graphite, spice, and charcoal-scented bouquet, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, has nicely integrated acidity, and fine tannin. It has a touch of modern character yet holds everything together beautifully. round and opulent, yet also elegant, with rock-solid underlying structure. Don t miss it. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan De Dieu Calendal is going to check in behind the 2016 yet is still a rocking bottle of wine. Black raspberries, violets, spices, and hints of blood orange all flow to a rich, full-bodied, seamless 2017 that shows the style of the vintage nicely. LE CELLIER DES PRINCES LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 90 LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE SAINTE VIERGE NA RED 88 LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES HAUTS DES COTEAUX NA RED 92 LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HEREDITA NA RED 93 LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2017 COTES DU RHONE HEREDITA NA RED JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 10

11 LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DOMAINE LE MOURRE NA RED LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DOMAINE LES ESCONDUDES NA RED LE CELLIER DES PRINCES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HEREDITA NA RED This larger cooperative cellar appears to be on an upward trajectory and has turned out terrific wines in both 2016 and The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is outstanding. Based on 90% Grenache and 5% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, brought up in stainless steel and concrete tanks, it offers classic notes of kirsch, blackberries, garrigue, and dried earth. Ripe, rounded, and beautifully textured, drink it anytime over the coming 7-8 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Sainte Vierge is deep ruby/plum-colored and offers ample black cherry, garrigue, damp earth, and sappy underbrush aromas and flavors. It s medium-bodied, rounded, charming, delicious and balanced, with excellent purity of fruit. This cuvée comes mostly from more sandy soils and is the same blend as the traditional cuvée. Brought up in 20% new barrels, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts des Coteaux is the most modern-styled in the lineup yet holds onto plenty of Southern Rhône charm. Black raspberries, vanilla, crushed flowers, and baking spice notes all flow to a rich, powerful concentrated 2016 that has sweet tannin, no hard edges, and a great finish. A new cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Heredita is nearly all Grenache that comes mostly from the northern part of the appellation and spent 12 months in demi-muids. Spice box, black raspberries, flowers, and incense notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, silky, beautifully polished wine that has sweet tannin and a rounded, elegant texture. DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD 2016 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD 2016 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE ELODIE BLANC NA WHITE 90 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 90 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHANSSAUD D ANTAN NA RED 91 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD 2017 COTES DU RHONE CHARLES DE VALOIS NA RED 89 DOMAINE DES CHANSSAUD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED This estate can trace their history back to 1826 with estate bottlings starting in the mid-1980s. The estate covers roughly 50 acres, and the wines are made by Patrick Jaume. These are classic, traditional, well-made wines. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Blanc is a rock-solid Côtes du Rhône that offers ample apple and orchard fruits spice and sautéed herb-like aromas and flavors. It s medium-bodied, clean, beautifully textured and balanced. Another solid white is the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Elodie Blanc. It has a pretty citrus mint and acacia flower-like bouquet to go with a medium-bodied, nicely textured and balanced style on the palate. Drink it over the coming 2 to 3 years. I loved the 2016 Côtes du Rhône from Domaine des Chanssaud. A classy, medium-bodied effort that s loaded with notions of black cherries, plums, peppery herbs, and violets, it s incred bly well-made and ideal for drinking over the coming 2-3 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers plenty of black cherries and blackberry-like fruits, classic notes of peppery herbs leather and earth, full body, and an enjoyable, straightforward yet textured style on the palate. A step up, and the top 2016, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Chanssaud D Antan boasts a deep purple color as well as fresh, elegant notes of blackberries, peppery herbs, and garrigue. It picks up a subtle floral character with time in the glass, is medium to full-bodied, has fine tannin, and good acidity. It s going to keep for a decade. Chanssaud has turned out a charming, forward 2017 Côtes du Rhône that displays pretty red and black fruits and garrigue aromas and flavors, medium body, a light, elegant textured, and solid balance. The 2016 has a touch more richness and depth, but both are first rate. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Charles de Valois offers more plum, black cherry, and licorice aromas and flavors and is a riper, rounded, sexy effort to drink over the coming 4-5 years. Lastly, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape shows a pretty, elegant, medium-bodied style. With plenty of blackberries and black raspberry fruits, subtle pepper, and floral notes, and a balanced, fresh texture, it has outstanding potential and should drink nicely right out of the gate. DOMAINE CHANTE-PERDRIX DOMAINE CHANTE-PERDRIX 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 DOMAINE CHANTE-PERDRIX 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ETIENNE PECOUL NA RED 92+ DOMAINE CHANTE-PERDRIX 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HENRI PERGES NA RED 95 Domaine Chante-Perdrix has around 50 acres of vines in Châteauneuf-du- Pape, mostly located in the southern part of the appellation, in the lieux-dits of Galimardes and Les Serres. The classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine Chante-Perdrix is smoking good in 2016, offering tons of garrigue, seaweed, cracked pepper, and damp earth aromas and flavors. With a darker, earthier slant, medium to full body, a stacked mid-palate, and a great finish, drink it over the coming decade or so. The blend is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and the balance Muscardin, all aged in a mix of foudre and smaller barrels. Offering more cedar and spice nuances, yet with a similar core of dark Medium ruby-colored and mostly Grenache (5% Mourvèdre), the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Heredita has tons of kirsch and blackberry fruits, notes of cured meats and garrigue, medium to full body, fine tannin, and a good finish. This cuvée comes from vineyard around the village of Courthézon and was brought up all in stainless steel. Leading off the barrel samples, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers plenty of sweet cherry fruit, notes of violets, underbrush and spice, medium body, and a fresh, lively personality. More cherries, strawberries and exotic spice notes, as well as a serious floral character, emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Le Mourre. This 100% Grenache is medium-bodied, has a supple, pretty texture, and a good finish. In the same ballpark, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Domaine Les Escondudes is 100% Grenache sourced all from the Les Escondudes and Terre Ferme lieux-dits. It spent 18 months in a mix of concrete tanks and stainless steel and offers ample dark fruits, scorched earth, licorice, and pepper as well as medium to full body, a great texture, and the upfront charm of the vintage. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Heredita looks to be another gem. This medium to full-bodied effort offers up beautiful notes of cassis, bay leaf, spice and orange peel in an elegant, seamless package that I suspect will drink nicely right out of the gate. The blend is 95% Grenache and 5% Mourvèdre brought up all in new demi-muids. currant and cherry fruits, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Etienne Pécoul (100% Grenache) is concentrated, focused, and tight on the palate, with terrific concentration. It needs a few more years of bottle age but has tons of potential. The most expensive cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Henri Perges, which is made from 100% Mourvèdre sourced from the Galimardes and Serres lieux-dits and was brought up all in demi-muids. Deep, pure, layered, and gorgeously concentrated, with sensational notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, garrigue, damp underbrush, and saddle leather all soaring from the glass, it s another best to date from this estate that needs a few years of bottle age. CHAPELLE SAINT THEODORIC CHAPELLE SAINT THEODORIC 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SABLONS NA RED CHAPELLE SAINT THEODORIC 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA GUIGASSE NA RED CHAPELLE SAINT THEODORIC 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE GRAND PIN NA RED JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 11

12 CHAPELLE SAINT THEODORIC 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA GUIGASSE NA RED CHAPELLE SAINT THEODORIC 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE GRAND PIN NA RED Owned by importer Peter Weygandt, with the wines made by Baptiste Grangeon (of Domaine Cristia), Chapelle Saint Theodoric focuses on two terroirs (Pignan and Guigasse) of sandy soils. The wines are never destemmed and spend upward of two years in neutral demi-muids. These are classic, elegant, singular wines, and if there s anything out there coming close to the style perfected by the Reynaud family at Rayas, this is it. This estate has been on fire recently, and these 2016s might just be the best yet. The entry-level cuvée is the 100% Grenache 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape Les Sablons, a blend of the La Guigasse and Le Grand Pin terroirs. It has lots of garrigue and sappy herbs as well as bright red fruits, high acidity, and a balanced, elegant texture. Made from 100% Grenache in the La Guigasse lieu-dit, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse boasts a deeper ruby/purple color as well as a sensational bouquet of kirsch and black raspberries, spring flowers, rose petals, and exotic spice. This beauty builds on the palate, with terrific concentration, yet it always holds onto the more ethereal, elegant, seamless style of this estate. Even better, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Grand Pin is as always 100% Grenache that will spend two years in demi-muids. Rayas-like notes of rose petals, strawberries, and Asian spices all flow to a full-bodied, incredibly silky 2016 that has a tight, vibrant, structured feel that s going to require patience. Buy a case of this elixir, give bottles 3-4 years, and enjoy over the following two decades. It s sensational juice! I thought both 2017s were total gems, and certainly up with the crème de la crème of the region. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Guigasse (100% Grenache) is a darker, richer, bigger wine and has loads of smoked earth, bouquet garni, pepper, and assorted dark fruits. Medium to fullbodied, balanced and ripe, with beautiful density, it s going to be more approachable in its youth than the Le Grand Pin. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Grand Pin is much more Burgundian in style, with a complex bouquet of black raspberries, flower garden, forest floor, and garrigue. Just a killer barrel sample in every way, with full body, good acidity, and a seamless texture, it s going to take 4-5 years to come together but is an awesome wine. M. CHAPOUTIER ALLENO & CHAPOUTIER 2017 COTES DU RHONE $16 RED VIOLA & CHAPOUTIER 2017 COTES DU RHONE $15 RED M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 LUBERON LA CIBOISE BLANC $14 WHITE 89 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 COTES DU RHONE BELLERUCHE BLANC $13 WHITE 88 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BERNARDINE BLANC $70 WHITE M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 IGP COTEAUX DE L ARDECHE DOMAINE DES GRANGES DE MIRABEL BLANC $24 WHITE M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 COTES DU RHONE BELLERUCHE ROSE $13 ROSE 88 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 TAVEL BEAUREVOIR ROSE $18 ROSE 90 M. CHAPOUTIER 2016 RASTEAU $20 RED 91 M. CHAPOUTIER 2016 GIGONDAS $25 RED 94 M. CHAPOUTIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BERNARDINE $56 RED 91 M. CHAPOUTIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PIE VI NA RED 93 M. CHAPOUTIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BARBE RAC $128 RED 99 M. CHAPOUTIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CROIX DE BOIS $108 RED 97 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 LUBERON LA CIBOISE $14 RED 88 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES LA CIBOISE $14 RED 89 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES COLLECTION BIO $16 RED 89 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 COTES DU RHONE BELLERUCHE $13 RED 88 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 COTES DU RHONE COLLECTION BIO $16 RED 90 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 LIRAC $20 RED 89 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 RASTEAU $18 RED 89 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 GIGONDAS $23 RED M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BERNARDINE $60 RED M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PIE VI NA RED M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BARBE RAC $126 RED M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CROIX DE BOIS $105 RED M. CHAPOUTIER 2016 VIN DE FRANCE LES COUFIS NA WHITE SWEET 95 M. CHAPOUTIER 2017 BEAUMES DE VENISE NA WHITE SWEET 92 BY MICHEL CHAPOUTIER 2017 IGP PAYS D OC MARIUS BLANC $12 WHITE 90 BY MICHEL CHAPOUTIER 2017 IGP PAYS D OC MARIUS ROSE $12 ROSE 89 BY MICHEL CHAPOUTIER 2017 IGP PAYS D OC MARIUS $12 RED 88 Michel Chapoutier s lineup continues to grow, and this report looks at his Alleno and Viola collaborations as well as the By Michel Chapoutier releases. Looking at the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Papes presented, these are unquestionably some of the most opulent and concentrated wines I ve ever tasted from the estate, and they have lots of similarities to the 2007s. The 2017s, which were tasted from barrel, show a similar sexy style and are not far from the 2016s. A blend of 60/40 Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône gives up lots of peppery herbs, some crushed rock-l ke minerality, ample blackberry fruits, a rounded, elegant, supple texture, and no hard edges. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is another inky colored effort. Garrigue, black olives, and tons of pepper flow to a rich, full-bodied, structured red that s going to shed some fruit and tannin by the time it s in bottle. This big, rich effort drinks well above its humble price point. Another steal is the 2017 Lubéron La Ciboise Blanc, a blend of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Vermentino and Clairette brought up all in stainless steel. This beauty offers lots of citrus, mint, and salty minerality and is vibrant, fresh, and undeniably delicious. White peach, some light citrus, and minty notes all emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Belleruche Blanc. It s medium-bodied, fresh and lively, with juicy acidity and a balanced, crisp, dry style that s a joy to drink. Not yet bottled and made mostly Grenache Blanc with 20% Clairette, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine Blanc gives up tons of white peach, pineapple, honeysuckle, and white flower aromas and flavors. It s rich and balanced, with plenty of fat and a clean, balanced character. Flowers, tangerines, white peach, and exotic notes all emerge from the 2017 IGP Coteaux de l Ardèche Domaine des Granges de Mirabel Blanc, which comes from vines located around the home of Michel Chapoutier. It s fresh, clean and crisp, yet also has depth and richness. There are two rosés under the M. Chapoutier label, and the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Belleruche Rosé is a refreshing and crisp effort that has plenty of citrus, cherry and strawberry aromas and flavors. When you can get this quality for 13 dollars, you have to wonder how all of those rosés sell for 20+. Deeper and richer, the 2017 Tavel Beaurevoir Rosé checks in as mostly Grenache, yet includes multiple permitted varieties. With a very short amount of time on the skins, it still has a medium to deep ruby color as well as vibrant Tavel notes of cherries, strawberries, spice, and flowers. Still balanced and fresh, with JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 12

13 terrific purity and elegance, drink it over the coming year or so. A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, the 2016 Rasteau comes from the steep slopes and clay soils of this great appellation. Black cherries, baked earth, chocolate, and graphite notes all give way to a powerful, concentrated, textured Rasteau that has shocking purity and finesse in its tannins. Mostly Grenache, the 2016 Gigondas (there are small parts of Syrah and Grenache) came mostly from the limestone terroirs in the region and was raised all in concrete tanks. Spice, garrigue, saddle leather, and crushed floral notes all flow to a powerful, ripe, incredibly sexy Gigondas that has no hard edges, si ky tannin, and a great finish. It s another out of this world 2016 that should be snatched up by readers. The entry-level Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the 2016 La Bernardine, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre from equal parts sandy and rolled stone terroirs. Medium to full-bodied, supple and sexy, with notes of lavender, black cherries, blackberries, and pepper spice, it should be drunk over the coming 7-8 years. A new cuvée that s a parcel selection, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pie VI is a split of 60/40 Syrah and Grenache that was completely destemmed and brought up all in tank. It has a soft, ripe, easygoing style with lots of jammy blackberries, pepper, and violets as well as a bit of earth. It s surprisingly elegant, has terrific purity and good acidity, and it s going to keep for upwards of a decade. The sensational 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac comes from a sandy clay terroir located in the western portion of the appellation. A massive, deep, full-bodied wine, with a huge nose of blueberry liqueur, crushed rock, violets, and garrigue, it has no hard edges, a thick, unctuous texture, sweet tannin, and a finish that just won t quit. It s the greatest vintage of this wine ever made (surpassing the 2007) and will be a candidate for perfection in a few years and keep for years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois comes from a site on the eastern side of the appellation and, l ke its bigger brother, is 100% destemmed Grenache that saw 21 months in concrete tanks. Blueberries, crème de cassis, crushed rocks, licorice, and pepper notes all emerge from this deep, powerful, surprisingly structured example of this cuvée. It has tons of fat and richness, but give bottles a few years. Moving to the 2017s, the 2017 Lubéron La Ciboise is a blend of Grenache and Syrah that sports a deep purple color as well as a juicy, forward style in its blackberries, peppery herbs, and earth aromas and flavors. Rounded, supple and polished, it s a good value. Darker fruits, some earth, leathery notes, and plenty of pepper all emerge from the 2017 Costières de Nîmes La Ciboise. It s ripe, sexy, and supple, with a rounded, opulent, sexy style that s already a joy to drink. Juicy black fruits, peppery herbs, and mineral notes all emerge from the 2017 Costières de Nîmes Collection Bio. It s tighter and more focused and elegant than the La C boise, with a touch more austerity. It will keep for 4-5 years. A blend of 60/40 Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Belleruche is a charming, complex, nuanced red that has plenty of peppery herbs, graphite, and floral aromas and flavors. It s nicely textured, has good acidity, and loads of charm. Medium ruby-colored, with a complex bouquet of garrigue, red and black fruits tapenade, and licorice, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Collection Bio is beautifully textured, balanced, and seamless on the palate. It s just another terrific value from this estate. Drink it anytime over the coming year or three. From an up and coming region located just across the Rhône River from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, the 2017 Lirac offers a nicely concentrated, balanced, medium to full-bodied style to go with classic garrigue and leafy herbs aromas and flavors. It has ample dark fruits, plenty of flesh, and a great finish. All from higher elevation parcels located behind the village, the 2017 Rasteau (Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) sports a medium ruby color to go with a clean, pure, balanced style. This is a pretty, elegant Rasteau that belies the normal rustic, chunky stereotype of the appellation. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years. Moving to the barrel samples, the 2017 Gigondas is a silky, fresh, and nicely focused 2017 that displays the textbook sandalwood, cedary spice and garrigue characteristics of the appellation. It s medium to full-bodied, has a layered, si ky texture, and outstanding length. Leading off the four Châteauneuf-du-Papes, lots of blackberry fruits, peppery herbs, garrigue, and licorice emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bernardine, a ripe, sexy, beautifully textured, and charming wine. It doesn t have the density of the 2016 and is very much in the style of this ripe, fruit forward vintage. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pie VI reveals an inky color as well as more black fruits, no doubt due to the higher Syrah content. Pepper, licorice, road tar, and ample spice characteristics give way to a medium to full-bodied 2017 that has a distinct salinity on the finish. It s a ripe yet balanced 2017 that s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac is a rock star in the vintage. Just screaming Grenache (it s 100% Grenache) with its decadent black raspberries, kirsch, garrigue, flowers, and exotic spice, it hits the palate with a full-bodied yet weightless texture, terrific mid-palate depth, and building structure. It s a small step back from the 2016 yet is still a sensational Grenache that s going to check in near the top of the vintage. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois is slightly more upfront and sexier, with a big nose of ripe strawberries, blackberries, garrigue, and spice. It s loaded with sweet fruit, has an incred ble sweetness to its tannins, no hard edges, and beautiful purity of fruit. It will keep for 15 years or more, yet I suspect it drink well right out of the gate. Michel also makes two beautiful dessert wines. The 2016 Vin de France Les Coufis comes from dried Viognier grapes pressed directly to demi-muids, where it sat for two years. Awesome notes of honeyed tangerines, peach liqueur, spice, and flower oil-like characteristics all give way to a thick, opulent, unctuous dessert wine that still shows purity, finesse, and elegance. While dessert wines don t get much play these days, this is brilliant stuff worth the extra effort to track down. Drink it over the coming 2-4 years. Made in a slightly lighter, fresher style, the 2017 Beaumes de Venise has v brant notes of green citrus, honeyed minerality, and spice. It still packs some richness and depth on the palate though, and is decadent, sweet, and honeyed, with terrific purity. Drink it over the coming year or two. Made from 100% Vermentino, the 2017 IGP Pays d Oc Marius Blanc would be about as good as it gets with oysters. Salty brine, citrus, mint, and salty minerality all emerge from this medium-bodied, fresh and vibrant white. It s a steal at 12 bucks and a perfect house white for drinking over the coming year. The 2017 IGP Pays d Oc Marius Rosé is a classic, juicy, elegant and racy rosé that has lots of sweet cherry fruits, lively acidity, notable minerality and a clean, dry finish. The 2017 IGP Pays d Oc Marius is close to an even split of Grenache and Syrah that was brought up all in tank. It s a ripe, forward, pleasure-bent effort that offers plenty of black and blue fruits, peppery herbs, and earth. It s certainly more wine than you d expect for the price and has lots to love. DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 91 DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2016 VACQUEYRAS NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2016 VACQUEYRAS CUVEE SPECIALE NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE MOURRE DES PERDRIX NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HAUTES BRUSQUIERES NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2017 VACQUEYRAS NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE MOURRE DES PERDRIX NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED DOMAINE DE LA CHARBONNIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HAUTES BRUSQUIÈRES NA RED This fantastic, family-run estate is now firmly in the hands of sisters Caroline and Veronique Maret, yet they continue to receive help from their parents Mireille and Michel Maret and consultant Philippe Cambie. Looking at their Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases, they produce four cuvées: the Tradition, Mourre des Perdrix, Vieilles Vignes, and the Les Hautes Brusquières. The traditional cuvée comes from all the estate s holdings and is typically a blend of 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. It s mostly destemmed and brought up in older barrels and stainless steel. It s certain a terrific introduction into the style of the estate. The Mourre des Perdrix comes from more sandy soils just behind the estate and is the same blend as the classic cuvée. This cuvée is always the most seamless and elegant in the lineup. The Vieilles Vignes comes from the oldest vines of the estate and the pebbly soils of the La Crau lieudit. Based on 95% Grenache or more, with the balance Mourvèdre, it s always the most structured, tannic, and masculine of the three special cuvées. Lastly, the Les Hautes Brusquières comes from the Brusquières JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 13

14 plateau in the northern portion of the appellation and is a 60/40 split of Grenache and Syrah that s destemmed and aged in a mix of foudre and barrels. This cuvée is generally the most opulent and full-bodied in the lineup, and while approachable in its youth, is capable of keeping for upward of two decades. This estate s white is always terrific, yet for whatever reason, it doesn t get the recognition it deserves. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (40% each of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, with the balance Clairette) offers vibrant notes of white peach, white flowers, citrus rind and ample crushed rocks. It s medium-bodied, fresh, and beautifully balanced, and will evolve for years if you re so inclined. I can promise you bottles wouldn t last that long at my house. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is more fruit forward and rounded, with plenty of white peaches, orange marmalade, and citrus aromas and flavors. It leads with its fruit, has outstanding purity, medium body, and a clean, dry finish. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Moving to the reds, neither of the 2016 Vacqueyras were bottled. The 2016 Vacqueyras checks in as a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that was brought up in a mix of wood tanks and stainless steel. This juicy, medium to full-bodied, elegant 2016 gives up classic notes of spices, garrigue, iron, and assorted dark fruits. I love its complexity as well as its elegance. The 2016 Vacqueyras Cuvée Spéciale is a killer Vacqueyras that has tons of violets, spice, and minerality as well as more garrigue and sweet Grenache fruit with time in the glass. Deep, medium to full-bodied, gorgeously textured, and balanced, it needs short-term cellaring but will keep for a decade. Tasted out of bottle, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beautiful wine from this team that exudes elegance. Black raspberries, garrigue, flowers, and incense notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, silky, beautifully balanced red that has sweet tannin and a great finish. This classic cuvée is 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, mostly destemmed and aged in barrel and stainless steel. Slightly deeper colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Mourre des Perdrix comes from the sandy soils not far from the domaine and is 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. It s incredibly elegant and nuanced, with smoking notes of black raspberries, cherries, dried flowers, incense, and loamy soils aromas and flavors. Deep and silky, with beautiful purity, it has ripe tannin, no hard edges, and a great finish. It should be bottled by the time this report is published and is a candidate for the finest vintage of the cuvée to date. Brought up in new demi-muids, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre (the Mourvèdre is from the Cristia lieu-dit). Unquestionably the greatest vintage of this cuvée ever made, this crazy good 2016 knocks it out of the park with its huge nose of currants, seaweed, incense, garrigue, and chocolate. Just a massive, deep, powerful wine, with sweet tannin and remarkable purity, it s going to flirt with perfection and keep for years. Bravo to the Maret family as well as consultant Philippe Cambie! Blackberries, crushed rocks, peppery herbs, and graphite notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hautes Brusquières, the most concentrated, rich, and opulent in the lineup. It has brilliant purity of fruit, ripe, polished tannins, and a great, great finish, all making for a brilliant 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape that will keep for 15+ years. Leading off the 2017s, the 2017 Vacqueyras will be the only cuvée from this appellation, and they won t be producing their special cuvée due to yields. The 2017 offers an elegant, pretty, seamless style as well as that classic garrigue and violet character that s so typical of this region. With plenty of fruit, a touch of gravelly minerality, sweet tannins, and solid length, it should certainly be outstanding. Deeply colored and based on the normal blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape reveals notes of dark fruits, licorice, and spring flowers. It s supple, sexy, and silky on the palate, with a charming forward style. Also deeply colored, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Mourre des Perdrix (70/15/15 Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre) gives ups serious amounts of dark fruits, crushed rock-like minerality, and pepper. It s si ky, polished and elegant on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness. As normal, this shows the most elegance of the four Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases. Going forward, the Vieilles Vignes cuvée will include grapes from a tiny hectare parcel in the Coudoulet lieu-dit, which is near Beaucastel in the northern part of the appellation. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is certainly promising and has lots of minerality as well as medium to full body, si ky tannins, an inky color, and terrific notes of cassis, garrigue, and incense. The cellar will be your friend. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hautes Brusquières is more medium ruby-colored, with a perfumed, elegant, yet also structured style. Lots of strawberries, flowers, dried earth, and spice all define the bouquet, while the wine is medium to full-bodied and concentrated, with some aggressive tannins kicking in on the finish. If representative, it should certainly be outstanding but not up to other top vintage of this cuvée. No website found. DOMAINE CHARVIN DOMAINE CHARVIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 92 DOMAINE CHARVIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE CHARVIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE CHARVIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED One of my favorite estates is Laurent Charvins s Domaine Charvin. This estate is located in the cooler, northern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and you ll be hard pressed to find a harder working vigneron out there. These are as traditional as it gets, and the wines are not stemmed, spend upward of three weeks on skins with pumpovers, and are aged all in concrete tanks. The wines always lean more toward the fresher, more elegant side of the spectrum yet rarely lack for depth of fruit and texture. They (Côtes du Rhône included) age beautifully, and true Southern Rhône lovers need to have these wines in their cellars. One of the highlights in my Côtes du Rhône tastings was the 2016 Côtes du Rhône from Domaine Charvin. Based on 81% Grenache and the rest mostly Mourvèdre and Syrah made exactly l ke the Châteauneuf-du-Pape release, it gives up a terrific perfume of blackberries, rose petals, peppery herbs, and earth. It s fresh and elegant, yet also concentrated and textured. Drink it anytime over the coming years. Not yet bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Laurent Charvin is a beauty, and I d wager one of the finest to date. In addition, it has a v brant, mineral-laced personality that I m sure is loved by Laurent. As classic as it gets, with a rocking bouquet of black, black fruits, garrigue, crushed rocks, and pepper, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, remarkable concentration, yet also the freshness and purity that s the hallmark of Laurent s wines. I followed this bottle for two days, and it shut down with extended aeration, so I d recommend trying a bottle on release and then hiding the rest for a good 4-5 years. The blend is the classic 82% Grenache, 5% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, and the balance Vaccarèse and Counoise, fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged all in concrete tanks. Don t miss this beauty. More tight and v brant than the 2016, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône has classic Charvin notes of red fruits, spring flowers, and dried earth/minerality. It picks up an almost rose garden-like quality with time in the glass and is medium-bodied, fresh and elegant, with plenty of length. Tasted as a barrel sample as well, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is another classic wine from the estate. Giving up plenty of framboise, Bing cherries, garrigue, and floral notes as well as a serious amount of minerality, it s medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, and a crisp, fresh style that s very Charvin. It will need 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for No website found. CHENE BLEU CHENE BLEU 2013 IGP VAUCLUSE ALIOT BLANC NA WHITE 93+ CHENE BLEU 2015 IGP VAUCLUSE VIOGNIER NA WHITE 92 CHENE BLEU 2016 IGP VAUCLUSE VIOGNIER NA WHITE 91 CHENE BLEU 2017 IGP VAUCLUSE ROSE NA ROSE 91 CHENE BLEU 2010 IGP VAUCLUSE HELOISE NA RED 95 CHENE BLEU 2010 VENTOUX ABELARD NA RED 94 CHENE BLEU 2011 IGP VAUCLUSE HELOISE NA RED 96 CHENE BLEU 2011 VENTOUX ABELARD NA RED 95 Located high up in the Dentelles de Montmirail behind the picturesque village of Séguret, Chêne Bleu is run by the Rolet Family, with Jean-Louis Gallucci making the wines. The wines all come from these higher elevation, limestone-driven soils and the estate produces two whites, one rosé, and two top reds. Looking at the top reds, the Heloise is Syrah-dominated and always reminds me of a top Côte Rôtie. The Abelard is the more Grenache- JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 14

15 dominated cuvée (it s 80-85% Grenache with the balance Syrah) and oozes Provençal charm, with a style not far from a top Gigondas. These wines are not cheap, but unquestionably the quality is there. The current release, the 2013 IGP Vaucluse Aliot Blanc is 60-65% Roussanne, 25% Grenache Blanc, and the balance Marsanne and Viognier. It has terrific notes of buttered citrus and honeysuckle, lots of minerality and saltiness, medium to full body, and a vibrant, crisp profile. It s still a baby and is going to evolve nicely for another 15+ years. The 2015 IGP Vaucluse Viognier offers slightly more opulence and flesh, with classic white peach and apricot aromas and flavors. It s another beautifully balanced, layered, textured white from this estate. Drink it over the coming couple of years. The 2016 IGP Vaucluse Viognier is cut from the same cloth and has slightly more acidity and freshness. Tangerine, citrus, and lots of mineral notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, vibrant white that has a classic Viognier character. The 2017 IGP Vaucluse Rosé is a Provençal beauty that offers fabulous notes of strawberries, spice, and salty minerality. It s clean, pure and elegant, with bright acidity. This is the Syrah blend, roughly 70% Syrah, 20-25% Grenache, the rest either Viognier and Roussanne, not co-fermented, but blended then aged for a year in tank. The Syrah-dominated 2010 IGP Vaucluse Heloise is a beauty that has an open, rounded, complex style. Offering lots of blackberries, spice, hints of pepper and forest floor, It s medium-bodied, si ky, and elegant on the palate, with fine tannin and beautiful elegance. It reminds me of a Côte Rôtie from the southern part of the appellation. Made from 80-85% old vine Grenache and the rest Syrah, the 2010 Ventoux Abelard is much more Provençal and has a ton of ripe black fruits, licorice, and leafy herbs, as well as some olive tapenade, in a full-bodied, concentrated, ripe, sexy style. Also brilliant stuff, the 2011 IGP Vaucluse Heloise (70% Syrah, 20-25% Grenache and the rest Viognier) offers lots of blackberry fruits, peppery herbs and smoked earth aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, yet with an incredible sense of elegance and finesse, no doubt imparted by the limestone soils and higher elevation vineyards, this beautiful Syrah will continue drinking beautifully for another decade or more. Lastly, the 2011 Ventoux Abelard is, as always, more Provençal in style and always reminds me of a top Gigondas. Based largely on Grenache, it boasts rocking notes of blackberries, black cherries, licorice, and black olives. This full-bodied 2011 has a ripe, sexy style, no hard edges, and perfect balance. Drink it any time over the coming decade. DOMAINE CLEF DE SAINT THOMAS DOMAINE CLEF DE SAINT THOMAS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CLEF DE ST THOMAS NA RED 92 DOMAINE CLEF DE SAINT THOMAS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PIERRE TROUPEL NA RED 89 DOMAINE CLEF DE SAINT THOMAS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CLEF DE ST THOMAS NA RED Another awesome wine from this great vintage is the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape La Clef de St Thomas, which is mostly Grenache blended with 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Lots of macerated black cherries, graphite, peppery herbs, and licorice all give way to a medium to fullbodied, concentrated, focused, balanced 2016 that has terrific purity, building tannin, and rock-solid balance. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pierre Troupel is equal parts Syrah and Grenache and was brought up all in stainless steel. Its medium ruby color is followed by a pretty, elegant wine that has lots of sweet red fruits, sweet flowers, and sappy herbs. It s finesse-driven and nicely balanced with loads of charm and character. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Clef de St Thomas shows a touch of toasty oak as well as a charming, elegant, si ky personality. Black raspberries, spice, and hints of scorched earth all emerge from this impressive barrel sample that s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. DOMAINE LES CLEFS D OR DOMAINE LES CLEFS D OR 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE LES CLEFS D OR 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES CRAUS CENTENAIRES NA RED 92 Based on close to equal parts Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc and Clairette (there s slightly more Grenache Blanc), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has a classic, high-quality, medium-bodied feel as well as textbook apple blossom, spice, and citrus aromas and flavors. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Craus Centenaires is terrific and one of the finest wines I ve tasted from the estate. Coming all from very old vine Grenache and aged all in tank, it boasts a terrific bouquet of Bing cherries, olive tapenade, pepper, and damp earth. Full-bodied and concentrated, with plenty of meatiness, this fleshy, textured 2016 will keep for 15+ years. CLOS BELLANE CLOS BELLANE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VALREAS LES ECHALAS BLANC NA WHITE CLOS BELLANE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VALREAS MARSANNE RESURRECTION NA WHITE 90+ CLOS BELLANE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VALREAS BLANC $19.99 WHITE 92 CLOS BELLANE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VALREAS LES ECHALAS $29.99 RED CLOS BELLANE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE URGONIEN 1.14 HA NA RED CLOS BELLANE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VALREAS NA RED The Clos Bellane wines are made by Stephane Vedeau, who s the talent behind the quality coming from his Ferme du Mont estate in Châteauneufdu-Pape. Not yet bottled, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas Les Echalas Blanc (100% Roussanne) is reminiscent of a great St. Péray and gives up lots of apple blossom, honeysuckle, spice, and hints of toasty oak. Rich and textured, it s going to be a sensational white. Tasted out of bottle, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas Marsanne Résurrection (100% Marsanne) also has some obvious toastiness and subtle oak as well as classic apple, white flowers, spice, and toasted nut aromas and flavors. It has plenty of freshness as well as good acidity. Terrific notes of apple blossom, white flowers, and an obvious salinity emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas Blanc, which is a mix of varieties brought up all in tank. It s elegant, has good concentration and bright acidity, and is a steal at the price. Leading off the reds, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas Les Echalas is almost all Syrah (there s 3% Grenache) that was brought up in concrete tanks. Notes of black raspberries, violets, cedary spice, and crushed rocks all emerge from this medium-bodied, fresh, elegant 2016 that displays the purity and balance that s the hallmark of this great vintage. Moving to the 2017s, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Urgonien 1.14 Ha offers a more nuanced, elegant, even pretty style as well as plenty of strawberry, sappy flowers, mint, and exotic notes. Medium-bodied, with good acidity and moderate tannin, it s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. Peppery herbs, flowers, and mint as well as plenty of black (and some blue) fruits emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Valréas. Based on 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah, it s medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, and balanced, with both richness and freshness. CLOS DES BRUSQUIERES CLOS DES BRUSQUIERES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 95 CLOS DES BRUSQUIERES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED I always love the wines of this estate, and unquestionably the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the finest vintage of this cuvée to date. About as classic as it gets, with tons of cedarwood, white pepper, kirsch, and blackberry fruits, it smells l ke a classic southern France street market. Fullbodied, powerful, and concentrated, with the purity of fruit that makes this vintage so special, it s a blockbuster wine that s already approachable yet will keep for 15+ years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape isn t going to get close to the 2016 but should nevertheless be an outstanding wine. Terrific notes of black raspberries, red plums, Asian spices, and sandalwood all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, fleshy, perfumed It s also going to be approachable in its youth. No website found. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 15

16 CLOS DES PAPES CLOS DES PAPES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 94 CLOS DES PAPES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 100 CLOS DES PAPES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED CLOS DES PAPES 2000 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 CLOS DES PAPES 2003 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 97 CLOS DES PAPES 2006 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 96 CLOS DES PAPES 2012 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 96 CLOS DES PAPES 2013 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 Paul-Vincent Avril continues to be one of the most talented and passionate winemakers in Châteauneuf-du-Pape today. From his estate located on the southern end of the village and pulling from roughly 90 acres of vines spread throughout the appellation, he makes a single white and red Châteauneuf-du-Pape and has resisted the urge to produce any special cuvées. The wine is always a blend of 60% Grenache 20% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, aged all in older foudre in a temperature-controlled and humidified cellar. His Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a staunchly traditional and world-class wine that always shines for its elegance and texture. Time will tell, but my money is on his 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape being the greatest wine ever made at this address, although the 2007 from my cellar will give it a run for its money. Also, Vincent always pulls out older vintages during visits and I ve included those wines here as well as few from my cellar. Always a brilliant wine, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is the normal blend of all the permitted varieties, brought up in tank with malolactic fermentation blocked. This beauty offers classic apple blossom, crushed rock-like minerality, and ample citrus in a clean, crisp, yet also concentrated package. It will be better with short-term cellaring yet keep for two decades. Another perfect wine from this brilliant estate is the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape, which matches the otherworldly A classic blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah brought up all in old foudre, this beauty s deep purple color is followed by a mammoth bouquet of kirsch liqueur, black currants, blueberries, Asian spices, and garrigue. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it nevertheless is as graceful as a ballerina on the palate and has ultra-fine tannins, a silky, seamless texture, and a finish that just won t quit. Hats off to vigneron Paul-Vincent Avril! The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape looks to be a huge success and reminds me of the 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, CLOS DES TERRES BLANCHES CLOS DES TERRES BLANCHES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes all from the Terres Blanches lieudit and is 100% Grenache that was brought up mostly in older barrels, with a small amount in stainless steel. Impressive notes of currants, ripe black cherries, spice box and dried earth notes all give way to a full-bodied, CLOS DU CAILLOU and it s full-bodied, deep, and thrillingly concentrated on the palate. The blend is shifted more toward Mourvèdre due to the tiny quantity of Grenache in the vintage, which makes me think this cuvée might close down shortly after bottling, but it s upfront and incredibly expressive today. The 2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape also showed beautifully and is fully mature. Garrigue, kirsch, forest floor, and mature red and black fruits give way to a silky, elegant red that still improves with time in the glass. I don t see this getting better since it s fully mature, so I d opt for drinking bottles over the coming 4-5 years. A wine that was controversial with a lot of tasters on release (not for me), the 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has been drinking beautifully for a number of years now. It s showing classic sweet red fruits, spice box, and garrigue notes in an ethereal, pure, elegant style. It has the sweet fruit of the 2003 vintage but is classic Clos des Papes today. It s always a joy to taste at this estate, as Vincent almost forces you to taste older vintages. The 2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape was singing and is a gem in this often overlooked and underrated vintage. Currants, black cherries, garrigue, Asian spices and licorice notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, impeccably balanced (the hallmark of this vintage) Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has sweet tannin, loads of fruit, and a classic, character-filled personality. From a vintage loved by Paul-Vincent, the 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty that has both richness and power married to the undeniable house style of elegance and purity. Kirsch, blackberries, crushed flowers, spice box, and licorice notes all emerge from this rounded, full-bodied beauty that has terrific depth of fruit and length. It s 2-4 years away from its plateau of maturity, where it will stay for a decade or more. From a difficult vintage, the 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is nevertheless upfront and charming, with a cool climate-like feel in its kirsch and darker berry fruits, spice, pepper, and mineral aromas and flavors. It opens up beautifully with time in the glass, is medium-bodied and elegant, and has plenty to love. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. elegant, yet concentrated red that has sweet tannins and a great finish. It picks up more seaweed and hints of marine-like character with time in the glass. With good structure, impeccable balance, and a great finish, it s going to drink nicely for years. CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 COTES DU RHONE LE CAILLOU BLANC NA WHITE 90 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 COTES DU RHONE BOUQUET DE GARRIGUE BLANC NA WHITE 91 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 COTES DU RHONE RESERVE BLANC NA WHITE 93 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SAFRES BLANC NA WHITE 91 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2016 COTES DU RHONE BOUQUET DE GARRIGUE NA RED 91 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2016 COTES DU RHONE LES QUARTZ NA RED 93 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2016 COTES DU RHONE RESERVE NA RED 95 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SAFRES NA RED 95 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES QUARTZ NA RED 97 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE NA RED 99 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 COTES DU RHONE LES CAILLOU NA RED 88 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 COTES DU RHONE NATURE NA RED 89 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 COTES DU RHONE BOUQUET DE GARRIGUE NA RED CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 COTES DU RHONE LES QUARTZ NA RED CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 COTES DU RHONE RESERVE NA RED CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 16

17 CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SAFRES NA RED CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES QUARTZ NA RED CLOS DU CAILLOU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE NA RED Unquestionably, some of my favorite wines in the world come from the estate of Sylvie Vacheron, who has the incredibly talented Bruno Gaspard as well as consultant Philippe Cambie at the helm in the vineyards and cellars. Located in the eastern region of the appellation, south of Beaucastel, and covering a tiny 25 acres, they produce a bevy of Côtes du Rhônes as well as a similar lineup of Châteauneuf-du-Papes. I would classify these wines as quasi-modern as the wines are mostly destemmed, and they do utilize newer demi-muids, yet these are pure, classic Southern Rhône wines that are simply loaded with character. In addition, while the style has undeniably changed to one of more elegance and finesse, these latest 2016s and 2017s pack serious oomph and power. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Le Caillou Blanc is a winner. Based on Clairette, Grenache, Bourboulenc, and Viognier, it offers a salty, citrus, and white flowerlaced bouquet as well as medium body, beautiful acidity, and a clean, crisp, refreshing style. Mostly Clairette Rosé, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Bouquet de Garrigue Blanc offers a light color as well as tons of citrus blossom, crushed rock, pineapple, and floral notes. It too is crisp, clean, and beautifully balanced. Made from 100% Clairette Rosé, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Reserve Blanc is another lightly colored white from this estate. Tart pineapple, melon, and Meyer lemon notes all flow to a v brant, fresh, racy white that has beautiful acidity, impeccable balance, and a great finish. More spice and hints of pear developed with time in the glass. It was brought up in tank, barrique, and demi-muids. Brought up all in used barrels, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres Blanc is Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette. It offers a more expressive, exotic, floral character as well as plenty of melon, pineapple, and assorted tropical notes. Medium-bodied, fresh, and vibrant, with beautiful texture, it s a soft, lush, balanced white. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Bouquet de Garrigue offers tons of garrigue, spice, and saddle leather notes, medium body, plenty of tannins, and beautifully sweet fruit. It has ample tannin, so give bottles a year or two. Spice, loamy soil, dried red fruits, and plenty of dried floral notes all emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Quartz, which shows more and more minerality with time in the glass. It s elegant and seamless on the palate, with building tannin, and is a terrific introduction into the wines of this estate. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Reserve offers more minerality as well as slightly darker fruits in its blackberries, bouquet garni, spice, and pepper aromas and flavors. Deep, rich, and powerful on the palate, with a weightless style, it has ample oomph, building tannin, and a gorgeous finish. It s one sensational Côtes du Rhône. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is another Burgundian-styled wine from the team here. Black cherries, peppery herbs, dried herbs, and some savory spice notes all emerge from the glass, and it s medium to full-bodied, silky and pure on the palate. It s certainly in the new style of the estate, yet has depth, richness, and plenty of length. It s going to drink nicely for years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres comes from more sandstone soils and is mostly Grenache. Spice strawberries, kirsch, dried herbs, flowers, and ample sandy, stony notes all emerge from this fleshy, medium to full-bodied, structured wine that has the classic weightless texture of the estate. This beauty has an exotic edge as well as a distinct salinity and is the finest version of this cuvée to date. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Quartz comes from soils loaded with quartzite stones and is another Grenache-dominated blockbuster from this estate. A translucent, ruby-colored effort, it just oozes Provençal charm in its ripe red and black fruits, building minerality, garrigue, pepper, and spice aromas and flavors. Deep, full-bodied, beautifully textured, and seamless, it has no shortage of tannins and is going to benefit from short-term cellaring. Still, it s certainly in the new style of the estate and brilliantly done. The flagship is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve, the classic blend of 60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre brought up in demi-muids. Blackberries, currants, black cherries, scorched earth, spice, and beautiful minerality all emerge from this full-bodied beauty that shows the more seamless, elegant style of this estate beautifully. It s more backward, concentrated, and reserved than the Les Quartz release, yet has more density and concentration as well as elegance. I was able to taste this beauty twice and rated it perfect on one occasion and a mere 98 points on another. Give it 3-4 years and enjoy over the following years. Moving to the 2017s, this will be another great vintage at this address. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Les Caillou offers a lighter ruby color as well as loads of red fruits (strawberries and cherries), hints of dried flowers, and a mediumbodied, elegant profile on the palate. It s as drinkable as it gets. Made from 80% Grenache, 15% Carignan, and 5% Mourvèdre, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Nature is also already bottled. It shows v brant Carignan notes of plum, wild strawberries, minerality, and leather notes. Medium-bodied, si ky and elegant, with fine tannin and good acidity, it s another beautifully textured, weightless, elegant red from this team. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Bouquet de Garrigue is a charmer. Raspberries, strawberries, spice, sandy soil, and loamy notes all flow to a medium-bodied, elegant, lightly textured effort that has plenty to love. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Les Quartz is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah (this is slightly less Grenache than normal). It sports a medium ruby color to go with a beautiful bouquet of framboise, wild strawberries, smoked earth, and spice. It s medium-bodied, si ky, incred bly elegant, and again, displays a Burgundian-like elegance and purity. Based on 65% Grenache and 35% Mourvèdre, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Reserve is the flagship Côtes du Rhône from the estate. It s slightly more purple in color and has darker notes of black cherries, black raspberries, crushed rocks, and garrigue, and minerality. Medium to full-bodied, seamless, and si ky, with fine tannin and a beautiful finish, it s a gorgeous wine that I d happily have in the cellar. Framboise, spice, dried flowers, and hints of orange peel all emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is elegant, seamless, and fine, yet certainly has some tannin. It s very much in the new style of this estate, is perfectly balanced, and has a great finish. Slightly deeper ruby-colored, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Safres comes all from sandy/sandstone (aka Safres in French) soils and is a Grenachedominated blend. Black raspberries, garrigue, some earthy, floral notes and ample minerality all emerge from this beautiful wine. With medium to full-bodied richness, a seamless texture, and good purity of fruit, it s another weightless wine that s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. I always love this cuvée, and the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Quartz offers a terrific perfume of black raspberries, white flowers, orange blossom, honeysuckle, and crushed rocks. It s medium to full-bodied, seamless, and finesse-driven on the palate, with the pure, elegant style of the estate front and center. It picks up more minerality with time in the glass, is beautifully balanced, and has a great finish. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve checks in as a blend 55% Grenache and 45% Mourvèdre, which is the first time the Mourvèdre has hit this high a level. As always, it s brought up in demi-muids and has a lighter ruby color as well as a beautiful perfume of black raspberries, crushed flowers, spices, and loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, si ky and elegant, with fine tannin, it should put on weight with time in bottle and will need short-term cellaring due to the high Mourvèdre component. CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET 2017 COTES DU RHONE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET 2017 LIRAC NA RED CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 94 CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CUVEE DU PAPET NA RED 100 CLOS DU MONT-OLIVET 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED The domaine of Clos du Mont-Olivet is an undeniable reference point for ultra-traditional, age-worthy Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The estate has been firmly in the hands of Thierry Sabon since 2001, but the family history here goes back to They produce three Châteauneuf-du-Papes, the younger vine Le Petit Mont (not reviewed here), a traditional cuvée, and a flagship La Cuvée du Papet. Both cuvées are incredibly age-worthy wines, with the Cuvée du Papet made specifically to age, seeing older vines, no destemming, and brought up all in foudre. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cuvée du Papet is unquestionably the greatest wine I ve ever tasted from this estate and is a legendary wine in the making. Don t miss it! The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes is terrific. Lots of blackberries, peppery herbs, underbrush, and earth all emerge from this nicely textured, balanced, straight up classic Côtes du Rhône. The 2017 Lirac offers more depth of fruit as well as elegance. Black raspberries, rolled stone-like minerality, garrigue, and earthy/loamy notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, pure, elegant red that resembles a good Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The finest base cuvée produced at this estate is the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape, which is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and the balance Cinsault, all aged in a mix of foudre and older barrels. Beautiful plums, blackberries, garrigue, and marine-l ke seaweed and iodine notes all give way to a pure, polished, full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has integrated acidity and a great finish. It s a sensational classic cuvée that will keep for 2+ decades. Another best to date, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cuvée du Papet from Thierry Sabon is pure perfection in a glass. More powerful than the classic cuvée, with killer black raspberries, crushed rocks, garrigue, salty minerality, and iodine, it s deep, full-bodied, concentrated, and sexy, JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 17

18 yet has building tannin. It s one of those iron fist in a velvet glove wines and continued to gain depth and richness every time I went back to the glass. Old-school, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape doesn t get any better, and readers should beg, borrow or steal to get a hold of this. Hide bottles for 4-5 years (or more), count yourself lucky, and enjoy bottles over the following 2-3 decades. The only 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape presented (I m not sure if there will be a Cuvée du Papet or not), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a charming, fleshy, yet concentrated barrel sample that has lots of old-school pepper, seaweed/iodine, and ample minerality as well as a big core of dark fruits. With good freshness, fine tannin, and notable purity, it s going to be brilliant from bottle. CLOS SAINT ANTONIN CLOS SAINT ANTONIN 2016 PRINCIPAUTE D ORANGE BLANC NA WHITE 90 CLOS SAINT ANTONIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 91 CLOS SAINT ANTONIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU NA RED 94 CLOS SAINT ANTONIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 97 CLOS SAINT ANTONIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU NA RED CLOS SAINT ANTONIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED This up and coming superstar of an estate was created by Isabelle and Christophe Sabon (of Domaine de Janasse) in The estate is located in the Plan de Dieu, northeast of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, yet they have access to some prime terroirs in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the La Crau and Font du Loup lieux-dits. These are legit, awesome wines, and savvy readers need to get on board! A mix of Chardonnay and Clairette brought up in barrel, the 2016 Principauté d Orange Blanc drinks well above its humble classification and has terrific notes of orchard fruits, white peach, citrus, and stony minerality. It s medium-bodied, pure, and elegant, with loads to love. Drink it over the coming couple of years. While there were no prices listed on these wines (I m not sure who brings them into the United States), the 2016 Côtes du Rhône should be sought out by savvy buyers. Ripe, rounded, and incredibly sexy, with lots of kirsch and blackberry fruits, garrigue, and mineral notes, it has impeccable balance as well as purity of fruit. It s a knockout Côtes du Rhône to drink over the coming 3-4 years. Even better, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu has to be one of the great wines from this appellation, which comes from an ocean of vines located on the valley floor between Vacqueyras and Cairanne. Made CLOS SAINT JEAN CLOS SAINT JEAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 93 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 95 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE COMBES DES FOUS NA RED 98 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DEUS EX MACHINA NA RED 100 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SANCTUS SANCTORUM NA RED 100 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED CLOS SAINT JEAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED CLOS SAINT JEAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE COMBES DES FOUS NA RED CLOS SAINT JEAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DEUS EX MACHINA NA RED CLOS SAINT JEAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SANCTUS SANCTORUM NA RED CLOS SAINT JEAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 95 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2015 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 92 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2014 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 92 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2013 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 93 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2012 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 94 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2011 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 95 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2010 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 94+ CLOS SAINT JEAN 2009 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 91 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2008 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 91 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2007 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 96 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2006 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 91 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2005 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 85 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2004 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 87 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2003 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2002 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 85 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2001 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 88 CLOS SAINT JEAN 2000 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 87 The Maurel brothers, along with rock star consultant Philippe Cambie, continue to knock it out of the park in just about every vintage, and since taking over control of the estate in 2002, they ve yet to put a foot wrong. Even in the more difficult vintages, they re able to produce charming, balanced, delicious wine, and in top vintages, they produce some of the from 50% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, and 20% Syrah brought up in foudre and demi-muids, it offers awesome notes of cassis, blackberries, spice box, and licorice. Ripe, full-bodied, and powerful, yet also balanced and pure, do your best to latch onto a few bottles. The finest wine to date from this young estate (although it s made by unquestionably one of the finest winemakers out there), the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape is 100% Grenache sourced all from the sandy parts of the La Crau and Font du Loup lieux-dits. It got more than a few Wows in the notes and boasts a medium ruby color, heavenly notes of framboise, crushed flowers, and spice, full body, ultra-fine tannins, and an insane mix of power and elegance that s hard to descr be. It s going to knock your socks off over the coming 15+ years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu is a terrific barrel sample. Black raspberries, blueberries, peppery herbs, and licorice notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied 2017 that has the charming, fleshy style of the vintage front and center. The same 100% Grenache as the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape reminds me of a great vintage of Rayas with its black raspberries, rose petal, pepper, and building minerality. With medium to full body, a seamless texture, beautiful fruit, and a great finish, it s another gem of a wine readers should snatch up. No website found. greatest wines on earth. As I ve written in the past, Clos Saint Jean is at the top of their game and producing some of the most singular, hedonistic and brilliant wines in the world. Also, I was able to taste a retrospective of the white Châteauneuf-du-Pape and came away thinking that current vintages might be some of the most under-the-radar, great whites of the appellation. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 18

19 The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a mix of Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, Bourboulenc, and Clairette, with more and more Bourboulenc in the blend starting in Brought up in barrel, it s a rich, full-bodied white that has loads of white peach, brioche, and honeysuckle. It s pure, balanced, and will keep for years. Moving to the reds and 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre, the base 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty and boasts appealing notes of spiced red and black fruits, cedar, and garrigue. Full-bodied, ripe and undeniably sexy, it s going to benefit from a year or three in the cellar and drink nicely for over a decade. The same Grenache-dominated blend as the base cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes comes from older vines and is released solely for the US market. It s a step up and is reminiscent of the 2010 with its depth, concentration, and purity. Black cherries, kirsch, licorice, and crushed rock notes all emerge from this ultra-fine, beautifully polished 2016 that does everything right. Don t miss it. Deep ruby-colored and offering a heavenly bouquet of black raspberries, toasted spiced, cured meats, licorice, and cured meats, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combes des Fous is awesome on the palate, with a silky, seamless profile that just keeps on going. Possessing ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges, and a huge finish, it s a phenomenal bottle of wine. The fact that it was bottled just one month ago makes this showing even more impressive. More cured meats, spice, loamy soil notes, and an incredible core of kirsch and currant fruits emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina. Deep, incredibly concentrated, multi-dimensional and long, it reminds me of the 2007 at this same point in time. This cuvée is always a 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre, brought up in tank and new demimuids, and in top vintages, needs 2-5 years of bottle age to really shine, yet I always also fine a certain access bility given its balance and purity. It s capable of lasting for two decades. One of the greatest young wines I ve ever tasted is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum which is 100% old vine Grenache sourced from a single parcel in the La Crau lieu-dit. Lighter in color than both the Combes des Fous and Ex Machina, it offers a heavenly perfume of kirsch liqueur, crushed rocks, exotic spices, and graphite. This beauty hits the palate with an incredible display of opulent, decent fruit paired with an elegance and seamlessness that needs to be tasted to be believed. With building richness, no weight, ultra-fine tannins, and a finish that won t quit, it s released only in magnum, so it will take upward of a decade to hit maturity and will keep for 20+ years. Hats off to the Maurel family and their consultant Philippe Cambie! As to the 2017s, all tasted from barrel, this is another pure, sexy vintage for this estate that has a certain sexiness not far from what was achieved in 2007 and The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a deep ruby color as well as a ripe, flamboyant nose of kirsch, black licorice, garrigue, and spice box. It s round, full-bodied, and already hard to resist. Cut from the same cloth, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes has plenty of black licorice, roasted herbs, crushed rocks, and assorted red and black fruits. It has more tannins than the base cuvée yet a similar depth of fruit and texture. Based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Vaccarèse and Cinsault, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Combes des Fous always shows a slightly more elegant and seamless profile compared to the Deus Ex Machina, and that s certainly apparent in White flowers, black cherries, blackberries, graphite, and ample peppery spice notes all emerge from this opulent, powerful wine, which has no hard edges and incred ble purity of fruit. A wine that s going to be a candidate for the wine of vintage will be the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Deus Ex Machina, which shows the incred ble fine, elegant, yet powerful style of the 2017 vintage. This beauty boasts a vivid purple color as well as a huge nose of black cherries, white flowers, candle wax, graphite, and cured meats. Deep, incredibly fullbodied, with building tannins and a great, great finish, it will have some access bility in its youth yet is capable of lasting for two decades. Lastly, the tiny production, 100% Grenache 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Sanctus Sanctorum is another perfect wine in the making. Ripe strawberries, kirsch, melted licorice, spice, and an insane amount of garrigue aromas and flavors all emerge from this full-bodied effort that carries awesome depth and richness yet stays elegant, seamless, and incred bly refined. It s slightly fresher and more focused than the 2016, but it s going to gain depth and richness over its élevage and is unquestionably an extraordinary wine. One of the standouts in the retrospective was the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Blanc, which is similar to the 2015 yet deeper, richer, and more textured, all while holding onto a beautiful sense of purity and elegance. Apple blossom, pear, white grapefruit, and tons of minerality all emerge from this rich, medium to full-bodied beauty that has a long life ahead of it. You can safely drink this today or any time over the coming years or more. Notes of lemon curds, dried herbs, and tons of minerality emerge from the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, which has plenty of similarities to the 2016, yet without that vintage s density. Fresh, elegant, medium-bodied, and balanced, drink it over the coming decade or more. The 2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc shows a classic, fruit-forward, beautifully pure style as well as notes of stone fruits, licorice, white flowers, and loads of minerality. It s fresh and focused, and while not the most powerful or rich in the lineup, is exceedingly elegant and pure. From a cooler, late vintage, the 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc offers lots of minerality, with an almost petrol and truffle nuance, yet it s still very much on the pure, clean, stone and citrus fruits. Medium-bodied, balanced, beautifully textured, fresh and lively on the palate, it s just a beautiful wine. From a more forward, charming vintage, the 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is still lightly colored and offers an exotic nose of spiced apple, quince, white flowers, honeysuckle, and crushed stone. Deep, rich, layered, and balanced with a more rounded, textured, deep style. I love it. The 2011 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is the first to show a touch of evolution in the color as well as a hint of maturity in its more mature notes of white flowers, figs, licorice, white truffle, and citrus aromas and flavors. Supple, pure, elegant and layered, it s drinking brilliantly today and is a fabulous white from this appellation. More lightly colored than the 2011, the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is bright, fresh and very youthful, with lots of lemon, white grapefruit, crushed rock, and spice aromas and flavors. Clean, pure, very fresh and straight, with beautiful density, it s going to be a long-lived white. The 2009 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has a medium gold color with just a touch of evolution. Baked apple, licorice, and some minerality all emerge from this rich, textured, yet still fresh and balanced white. It s drinking at point today, yet has good acidity, rock-solid balance, and is going to age nicely for another 3-5 years at a minimum. Hazelnuts, crushed rocks, orchard fruits, petrol, and toasted almonds, and ample minerality all emerge from the 2008 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. It s medium-bodied, fresh and lively, with beautiful acidity, a ripe, balanced style, and a great finish. The 2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is still lightly colored and offers a ripe, forward, opulent bouquet of white flowers, honeysuckle, toasted almonds, and crushed rocks. It s deep, full-bodied, ripe and layered, with a rounded, opulent style that has loads of life ahead of it. Just a great, great vintage, this white is firing on all cylinders! The 2006 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has a medium gold color with some evolution in its licorice, crushed rock, brioche, and mineral aromas and flavors. It s still textured, balanced and rich, with terrific purity and freshness. But it s fully mature and I d lean toward drinking up. The 2005 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has an evolved color to go with a touch of oxidation in its baked apples, brioche, toasted almonds. It s still fresh and lively on the palate, with good acidity, plenty of fruit and texture, and a clean finish. It needs to be drunk up, but it certainly still offers pleasure. They changed the press as well as some of the parcels used after this vintage, and the quality takes a significant step up from 2006 on. Similarly colored to the 2005, the 2004 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc offers notes of toasted nuts, almonds, brioche, baked apple fruits, and crushed rocks. It s solid on the palate, with medium to full body, has good acidity, and a clean finish. It s certainly tired at this point, but has depth and richness and won t fall off a cliff anytime soon. While fully mature, the 2003 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc boasts a richness and depth that s lacking from a number of these older vintages. Brioche, almonds, honeysuckle, and licorice notes all emerge from this nicely balanced, mature, seamless white that stays balanced and elegant. It s not getting better but would be sensational with a dish that included truffles or cream sauce. The 2002 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is tired and on a downward trajectory, yet does offer some charm in its honeyed, truffle-laced, licorice aromas and flavors. Drink up. The 2001 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has a mature color and a bronzed, brioche, toasted almond and truffle-scented bouquet. It s mediumbodied, nicely balanced, has good acidity, a still solid mid-palate, and a good finish. Fully mature, the 2000 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has notes of baked orchard fruits, brioche and almond paste in its medium-bodied, nicely textured, enjoyable style. It s not going to get any better but should have a gradual decline. CLOS SAINT MICHEL CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC $30 WHITE 89 CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE TRADITION $18 RED 92 CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE COTEAU BRULE $69 RED CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE RESERVEE $41 RED 92 JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 19

20 CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRAND CLOS $69 RED CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRAND VIN NA RED CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HOMAGE TO HERITAGE NA RED 92+ CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE TRADITION $25 RED CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE RESERVEE NA RED CLOS SAINT MICHEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HOMAGE TO HERITAGE NA RED The Mousset family has turned out a solid white. Their 2017 Châteauneufdu-Pape Blanc has an exotic, racy edge in its citrus, sappy herbs, toasted bread, and charcoal-l ke aromas and flavors. Made from 40% Grenache Blanc, 30% Clairette, 20% Bourboulenc and the rest Roussanne, brought up in new barrels and stainless steel, it s going to benefit from 6-12 months of bottle age and drink well for 2-4 years. The classic cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Tradition, which is 40% Grenache and 30% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. It s a deeply colored effort (as are all the wines from this estate) that has a classic, peppery, concentrated style that s going to age gracefully. Blackberries, currants, smoked earth, and smoke tobacco notes, medium to full body, beautiful purity, and ripe tannins all make for a classic, concentrated 2016 that s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for years. An interesting blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache Gris, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Coteau Brûlé is deep purple-colored and has a classic Syrah nose of concentrated dark fruits, cracked pepper, violets, and garrigue. It s deep, rich, beautifully concentrated, and layered, with good acidity and ample structure. The deep ruby/purple-colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée offers a smoky bouquet of ripe currants, crushed rocks, and peppery herbs. It s deep, rich, concentrated and dense, and what it lacks in elegance, it makes up for in density and texture. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Clos is all Mourvèdre that s still aging in stainless steel tanks. More kirsch, blackberries, garrigue, cigar, and peppery notes give way to a full-bodied, ripe, rounded, supple wine that s already hard to resist. Drink it over the coming decade. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin is my favorite in the lineup (although these are all rock-solid) and is comprised of 50% each of Grenache and Syrah, completely destemmed, brought up in foudre, stainless steel and concrete. It has a dark, pepper, cigar wrapper, and spice style as well as a full-bodied, concentrated, backward style on the palate. This oldschool Châteauneuf-du-Pape will need 2-4 years of bottle age and evolve for years. A beautiful wine that s already been bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Homage To Heritage checks in as 50% Grenache, 30% Grenache Gris, and 20% Syrah. It was brought up all in concrete tanks. Black raspberries, currants, scorched earth, graphite, and some new leather notes all give way to a concentrated, medium to full-bodied, concentrated 2016 that has good acidity, a fresh, focused style, and excellent purity. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Tradition is going to be a good value. Based on 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 30% Mourvèdre, it has a beefy, meaty character with lots of dark fruits and olive tapenade aromas and flavor. Concentrated, full-bodied, and nicely structured, with outstanding purity, it s going to keep for years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée is close to an even split of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (it s slightly Grenache heavy). It has a touch of red fruits in its darker fruited style, with notes of graphite, peppery herbs, and new leather. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and with building tannins, drink it over the coming years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Homage To Heritage will be another outstanding wine. Offering lots of dark fruits, singed leather, black plums, and some leafy green herbs, it s medium to full-bodied, has plenty of mid-palate depth, and a fresh, focused style on the palate. I suspect 2-4 years of bottle age will be your friend. DOMAINE DU COMTE CHRISTOPHE DE COURTEN DOMAINE DU COMTE CHRISTOPHE DE COURTEN 2016 CdP CUVEE SPACIALE DES COMTES DE COURTEN $29 RED 97 DOMAINE DU COMTE CHRISTOPHE DE COURTEN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE DU CYGNE $29 RED 94+ alots of darker fruits, herbal notes, licorice, and some singed leather notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, another example of the incredible quality in the vintage. Full-bodied, rich and beautifully concentrated, it s going to keep for a decade or more. The blend is 70/30 Grenache and Syrah brought up in a mix of concrete tanks and old barrels. The finest wine I ve ever tasted from this estate, the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape Cuvée Spéciale des Comtes de Courten is a sensational blend of equal parts Grenache and Mourvèdre, all from the Colombis lieu-dit, that was completely destemmed and aged in concrete tanks and demi-muids. About as ripe and sexy as it gets, yet never over the top, it offers a massive blast of blackberry fruit, new leather, spice, and garrigue that changes beautifully in the glass and it picks up more nori and seaweed characteristics with time in the glass. This full-bodied, opulent, and yet still elegant beauty has fine tannin and a finish that goes on for over a minute. Don t miss it! Darker, slightly earthier, with a kiss of barrique, the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape Réserve du Cygne is another fabulous wine from this estate. Based on 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah brought up in demi-muids and tank, this full-bodied, dense, yet balanced effort has classic cassis and licorice aromas and flavors, rock star purity of fruit, and a slightly backward, closed feel that makes me think it will be better with short-term cellaring. DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89 DOMAINE COMTE DE LAUZE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE DE LA COMTESSE NA RED 92 Based on a mix of varieties (it s 55% Grenache Blanc and Roussanne), the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc has an impressive bouquet of citrus, honeysuckle, and spice. Medium-bodied, fresh, juicy, and vibrant on the palate, it has a clean, dry finish and is well worth drinking. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is also solid, with classic darker, peppery fruit and hints of leather, a charming, fleshy, forward style, and a good finish. Made from 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, drink it over the coming 3-5 years. Cherries, flowers, damp underbrush, and sweet spice all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is charming, elegant and lightly textured. The blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, aged mostly in foudre. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Réserve de La Comtesse offers more honeyed, tropical, sweet strawberry and floral aromas and flavors, and is slightly more concentrated. It too is a beautifully elegant, lightly textured, balanced beauty that shines for its finesse and elegance. DOMAINE LA CONSONNIERE DOMAINE LA CONSONNIERE 2016 LIRAC NA RED 86 DOMAINE LA CONSONNIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE LA CONSONNIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED This estate prefers a longer élevage, which I ve not been a fan of in the past. Nevertheless, the latest releases show more sweetness of fruit and texture, and are the finest I ve tasted from them. The 2016 Lirac is slightly earthy, with an enjoyable, straightforward and medium-bodied style. Moving to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape is a beauty and offers a full-bodied, rich, yet elegant profile that s very much in the style of the vintage. Lots of dark fruits, garrigue, sandalwood and cedary characteristics, terrific purity, sweet tannin, and a great finish all make for a traditional blockbuster cuvée that can be drunk today or cellared for a decade. I suspect a step back from the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (80/20 Grenache and Mourvèdre) is more medium to full-bodied, with a rich, chunky, concentrated profile. This cuvée is aged 40% in demi-muids, and it has some toasty, spicy aromatics, plenty of red and black fruits, and classic garrigue. In short, it s a rock-solid Châteauneuf-du-Pape that will drink well for a decade. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 20

21 DOMAINE DE LA COTE DE L ANGE DOMAINE DE LA COTE DE L ANGE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 90 DOMAINE DE LA COTE DE L ANGE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93+ DOMAINE DE LA COTE DE L ANGE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DE LA COTE DE L ANGE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED Domaine de La Côte de L Ange produces a ripe yet traditional style of wine. In addition to their Châteauneuf-du-Papes, they make a terrific Côtes du Rhône as well. I always love the Côtes du Rhône from this estate and the 2016 Côtes du Rhône is no exception. Saddle leather, peppery herbs, sweet red and black fruits and loads of spice all flow to a totally charming, Provençal, textured beauty that s worth a case purchase. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports a deep, inky color as well as an incredibly young, unevolved style in its black and blue fruits, new leather, pepper, and damp earth-like aromas and flavors. Deep, full-bodied, tannic, and powerful, it s slightly hard to read given its almost primordial feel, yet it has a stacked mid-palate, good acidity, and ample length. Give bottles 2-4 DOMAINE DE CRISTIA DOMAINE DE CRISTIA 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 93 DOMAINE DE CRISTIA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91+ DOMAINE DE CRISTIA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RENAISSANCE NA RED 95+ DOMAINE DE CRISTIA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 99 DOMAINE DE CRISTIA 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE DE CRISTIA 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RENAISSANCE NA RED DOMAINE DE CRISTIA 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED Winemaker Baptiste Grangeon has been on a roll over the past decade with these wines from his family estate. These are ripe, powerful wines that never lose their Southern Rhône soul, and if anything, these latest 2016s and 2017s are more reserved and elegant than past vintages. Looking first at the white from Baptiste, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is mostly Clairette mixed with 20% Roussanne. It s the finest white I ve tasted to date and has a Burgundian-like reductive quality as well as loads of orchard fruits, white flowers, spice, and crushed rocks. It s ripe and textured, with beautiful purity and a great finish. It s a food wine but stays fresh and v brant. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (85% Grenache and 15% Syrah) comes all from the Cristia lieu-dit (all sandy soils) and was destemmed and brought up mostly in concrete. I always find this cuvée forward and ready to go, yet the 2016 is tighter and more backward, with medium to full body, good acidity, and traditional notes of blackberries, plums, peppery spice, and garrigue. Give it a year or two. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance is also a slightly more restrained, elegant version of the cuvée, yet that doesn t mean it lacks concentration or depth. Terrific notes of black and blue fruits, violets, peppered meats, and licorice all emerge from this full-bodied, tight, backward beauty that s going to need 4-5 years of bottle age. As normal, the blend is 60% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, brought up in one-third new oak barrels and the balance in demi-muids. One of the gems in the vintage is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles years, and it should shine for 15+. Tried twice. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is more mid-weight compared to the 2016 yet has pretty red fruits, flowers, and spice-driven aromas and flavors, with just a hint of menthol. Silky, polished, medium-bodied and balanced, it s a charming 2017 to drink over the coming 3-4 years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in as a blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah that was destemmed and brought up in a mix of foudre, concrete tanks, and tronconique tanks. It s fresher and focused, with good mid-palate depth and concentration, as well as classic notes of dark berry fruits, peppery herbs, graphite, and licorice. It doesn t have the sheer wow factor of the 2016, but it s a terrific wine. DOMAINE DE COURTEN WILLIAM DOMAINE DE COURTEN WILLIAM 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is 50% Grenache, 20% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault. It has a ripe, slightly modern style (it s brought up in 20% new barrels) as well as notes of black raspberries, kirsch, violets, exotic spices, and incense. Drink this ripe, medium to full-bodied, sexy 2016 any time over the coming decade or more. No website found. Vignes, and it s about as beautiful an example of old vine Grenache as I could imagine. Sporting a deep purple color as well as a huge perfume of blackberries, black raspberries, garrigue, crushed flowers, and exotic spices, it hits the palate with a wealth of fruit, a stacked mid-palate, awesome purity of fruit, and a finish that won t quit. Made from 100% old vine Grenache from the sandy soils of the Cristia lieu-dit, aged in one-third new barrels, it has a certain access bility even today but will be at its best in 2-4 years and keep for 15+. It s the finest wine ever made by Baptiste and readers need to find bottles of this elixir! The 2017s will check in behind the 2016s but are unquestionably some of the top wines in the vintage. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a vivid purple color as well as medium-bodied notes of blackberries, blueberries, and peppery herbs. With terrific purity and a seamless, textured style, drink it on release and over the following 7-8 years. A rocking bouquet of blueberries, blackberries, plums, graphite, and pepper, as well as some minerality, emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance. The usual 60/40 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre, it has beautiful mid-palate depth, ripe, polished tannin, and a great finish. Truthfully, it s far off the Lastly, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is certainly my favorite in the lineup. Always 100% old vine Grenache from the sandy soils of the Cristia lieu-dit, it boasts lots of plums, blackberries, garrigue, and violets notes and has a complex, nuanced style. Full-bodied, voluptuous, sweetly fruited, and downright elegant, it s a blockbuster in the making. CUVEE DES SOMMELIERS CUVEE DES SOMMELIERS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 89 CUVEE DES SOMMELIERS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91 Crisp, clean notes of apple blossoms, citrus, and spiced peach all emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. Medium-bodied, balanced, with solid depth and fruit, it s a classic, high quality white from the region. The blend is 45% each of Grenache Blanc and Clairette with the balance Bourboulenc. I also loved the red from this estate, and their 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is unquestionably the finest wine I ve tasted from the Mestre family. Blackcurrants, toasted spices, licorice, and ample peppery herb notes flow to a medium to fullbodied, dense, concentrated, slightly rustic effort that packs ample richness and flesh. Drink it over the coming years. The blend is 65% Grenache, 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault, brought up in foudre, barrels, and concrete tanks. DELAS FRERES DELAS FRERES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HAUTE-PIERRE NA RED DELAS FRERES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HAUTE-PIERRE NA RED As I wrote last year, the 2016 from Jacques Granges is the best to date. Not yet bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Haute-Pierre sports a deep ruby/purple color as well as a classic, traditional bouquet of ripe cherries, blackberries, sandalwood, and scorched earth. It s concentrated, has bright acidity, building tannin, and a great finish, all pointing to a wine that s going to need short-term cellaring yet keep for years. It s a classic, superb wine from this team. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Haute-Pierre was harder to read, with some aggressive tannins, yet I suspect this will show better from bottle as well. Blackberries, graphite, ground pepper and spice all emerge from this firm, tannic, medium to full-bodied effort that has good concentration and bright acidity. It s going to need bottle age. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 21

22 DOMAINE DES 3 CELLIER DOMAINE DES 3 CELLIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ALCHIMIE BLANC NA WHITE 88 DOMAINE DES 3 CELLIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE INSOLENTE BLANC NA WHITE 90 DOMAINE DES 3 CELLIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE MARCEAU NA RED DOMAINE DES 3 CELLIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRIVILEGE NA RED DOMAINE DES 3 CELLIER 2017 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE 3 NA RED 86 DOMAINE DES 3 CELLIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ALCHIMIE NA RED The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Alchimie Blanc is good, offering plenty of spiced orchard fruits, sappy green herbs, and mint in an exotic, juicy, vibrant style. It s best drunk over the coming 3-4 years. Made from 100% Roussanne, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Insolente Blanc is a step up and gives up classy notes of green apples, citrus blossom, and salty minerality. It s fresh, nicely balanced, and has a great finish. In short, it s an outstanding Roussanne that will keep for at least 4-5 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marceau is an interesting blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, and the rest Vaccarèse and Counoise brought up 45% new barrels. Blackberry, peach pit, violets, and other exotic notes give way to a ripe, concentrated, exuberant wine that has good acidity, a rich, mouthfilling texture, and a clean finish. Given the high percentage of Mourvèdre, I wouldn t be surprised to see this shut down for 2-4 years after bottling. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Privilège checks in as 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre brought up in 70% new barrels. It s deep, rich, and powerful, with plenty of Syrah character in its blackberry and black cherry fruits, leafy herbs, pepper, and mint-laced aromatics. While Syrah from the Southern Rhône used to always be overripe, winemakers today are harvesting earlier and doing a better job holding onto freshness in the cellar. This beautiful 2016 has good acidity, a fresh, v brant, style, plenty of fruit, and a great finish. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée 3 is a touch rough around the edges, with plenty of chocolate, spice and ripe dark fruits. It s medium-bodied, straightforward, rustic, and best drink over the coming 3-4 years. Kirsch, menthol, leafy herbs, and some underlying green notes all emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Alchimie. It s medium to full-bodied, juicy, and elegant, with a vibrant, pretty edge. The blend is mostly Grenache, with 16% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, and smaller amounts of other permitted varieties, brought up all in foudre. DOMAINE DES PEYRE DOMAINE DES PEYRE 2016 LUBERON L INTRANSIGEANT NA RED 90 The 2016 Luberon L Intransigeant checks in as a blend of 65% Syrah, 23% Grenache and the balance Carignan. This inky colored effort gives up tons of ripe, rich, chunky Syrah fruits, blackberries, peppery herbs, and graphite. Rich and opulent, it s an outstanding wine. DOMAINE DURIEU DOMAINE DURIEU 2016 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE DURIEU 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE DURIEU 2016 VENTOUX NA RED 90 DOMAINE DURIEU 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU HENRIE DURIEU NA RED 91 DOMAINE DURIEU 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU PONT DE PIERRES NA RED 91 DOMAINE DURIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE L EPERDU NA RED 96 DOMAINE DURIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LIEU-DIT BOIS LAUZON NA RED 97 DOMAINE DURIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LUCILE AVRIL NA RED 96 These consistently outstanding, Provençal wines come from the young Vincent Durieu. While I wasn t able to taste any 2017s, his 2016s are Do Not Miss wines. This terrific estate is inching its way into the crème de la crème of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The quality of the white from this region is on fire, and you don t have to break the bank to get incredible quality. Case in point, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Blanc from Domaine Durieu. This fresh, elegant, straight up classic white gives up notes of apple blossoms, spice, and light citrus and is nicely balanced and incred bly drinkable. It s best enjoyed over the coming year or two. The base 2016 Côtes du Rhône is a beauty. Blackberries, peppery herbs, and a gravelly minerality all emerge from this straight-up classic, balanced 2016 that has terrific fruit and purity. It s well worth seeking out. More garrigue, white pepper, and spice emerge from the 2016 Ventoux, which has a terrific core of red and black fruits. Medium-bodied, fresh and focused, it s a classic Ventoux with its spicy, herbal, savory style. It s certainly going to keep for 4-5 years. The two special cuvées include the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Henrie Durieu, which has a terrific purity and elegance as well as ripe black cherries, plums, pepper, and spring flowers. While the Plan de Dieu can produce big, rustic wines, this is fresh, si ky and complex. More modern-styled, with some spicy wood in its blackberries, cherry, peppery herbs, and candied violet aromatics, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Pont de Pierres is medium-bodied, concentrated, balanced, and age worthy. Drink it anytime over the coming 7-8 years. Made from 100% very old vine Grenache (upward of 100 years in age) in a tiny parcel of clay and stony soils, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L Eperdu is a rock star effort, and I finished my notes with This is a Grenache lover s dream! Kirsch liqueur, garrigue, melted licorice, and dried herb notes all give way to a rich, opulent, flamboyant Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has no hard edges and a great, great finish. It s unquestionably the most open and ready to go in this stacked lineup. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lieu-Dit Bois Lauzon is a new cuvée based on 100% old vine Grenache from a lieu-dit in the northern part of the appellation. Its inky purple color is followed by a rich, powerful wine loaded with notions of ripe black cherries, blackberries, blueberries, crushed rocks, graphite, and spice. Rich, powerful, and concentrated, this sensational Grenache that will benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lucile Avril is mostly old vine Grenache mixed with roughly 10% Syrah and Mourvèdre. It s another deeply colored effort from this estate that has classic notes of bouquet garni, sweet red and black fruits, new saddle leather, and assorted spicy nuances. It s deep, concentrated, balanced, and has a great finish, and is a no-brainer purchase that s going to keep for 15+ years. DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CATARINA BLANC NA WHITE 91 DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE SONGE DE CATHERINE NA RED 95 DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CATARINA NA RED 92 DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR 2016 COTES DU RHONE LA CHAPELLE NA RED 90 DOMAINE DUSEIGNEUR 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ODYSSEE NA RED 87 The outstanding 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Catarina Blanc is a richer, more powerful wine that s going to shine on the dinner table. Buttered citrus, spice, lots of crushed rock-like minerality, and a hint of honeysuckle all flow to a medium to full-bodied, textured, yet beautifully balanced white. Drink it over the coming couple of years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Songe de Catherine is 100% Grenache that was partially destemmed and brought up in demi-muids. Ripe, opulent notes of red currants, blackberries, toasted spice, graphite, and candle wax all give way to a rounded, sexy 2016 that has sweet tannin, beautiful purity of fruit, and impressive concentration. It s beautifully done, layered, and incredibly wellbalanced. Made from 100% Grenache (partially destemmed) brought up in demi-muids, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Catarina has slightly more pepper and herb notes as well as plenty of graphite, black cherries, and black raspberries. It s concentrated, deep, layered, and incredibly pure on the palate. It s going to keep for years. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 22

23 The 2016 Côtes du Rhône La Chapelle is another great Côtes du Rhône from this vintage. Offering up lots of blueberry and cherry fruits intermixed with complex notes of spice, exotic flowers, and rose petals, it s medium-bodied, elegant, and nicely balanced as well. Drink it anytime over the coming 4-5 years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Odyssée has a Beaujolais-like feel in its strawberry, candied flower, and raspberry aromas and flavors. It s mediumbodied, fruit forward, and certainly delicious, with plenty of charm and character. DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 COTES DU RHONE LA GALOPINE BLANC NA WHITE 90 DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2016 COTES DU RHONE LES ANTIMAGNES NA RED 90 DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2016 RASTEAU LES COTEAUX NA RED 94 DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2016 RASTEAU LA PONCE NA RED 95 DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2016 RASTEAU HERITAGE 1924 NA RED 95 DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2016 RASTEAU ARGILLA AD ARGILLAM NA RED 92 DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2016 CAIRANNE LE VENTABREN NA RED 91 DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2016 CAIRANNE LA BOUTINE NA RED 91 DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 COTES DU RHONE LES ANTIMAGNES NA RED DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ROAIX LES HAUTES GRANGES NA RED DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 CAIRANNE LE VENTABREN NA RED DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 CAIRANNE LA BOUTINE NA RED DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 RASTEAU LES COTEAUX NA RED DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 RASTEAU LA PONCE NA RED DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 RASTEAU HERITAGE 1924 NA RED DOMAINE DES ESCARAVAILLES 2017 RASTEAU ARGILLA AD ARGILLAM NA RED This Rasteau-based estate is run by Gilles Ferran and is one of my go-to estates when looking for terrific wines that over-deliver. While this estate is mostly known for their reds, don t miss their whites. I loved the 2017 Côtes du Rhône La Galopine Blanc. Sporting a medium gold color and a big perfume of honeyed peach, orange marmalade, and tropical notes (I thought Viognier right at the start), it s medium to fullbodied, has a supple, rounded, yet pure texture and a great finish. The blend is 45% each of Marsanne and Roussanne, with 10% Viognier. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Antimagnes is a deliciously quaffable effort that s going to put a smile on your face over the coming couple of years. Offering lots of spiced red fruits, dried earth, and hints of flowers, it s medium-bodied, silky and fleshy on the palate, and while I wasn t able to get a price, it s going to be a great value. The blockbuster styled 2016 Rasteau Les Côteaux shows how successful this vintage was for the entire Southern Rhône. Deep purplecolored with huge notes of blackberries, blueberries, scorched earth, and licorice, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, tons of baby fat, and a voluptuous, mouthfilling texture that says balanced and pure. It s a rockstar Rasteau to drink over the coming 5-7 years. One of the finest wines to date from this estate as well as from the appellation, the 2016 Rasteau La Ponce shows the exuberance and depth of the vintage, yet also has thrilling purity of fruit and perfect balance. Revealing a deep purple color as well as classic notes of blackberries, crushed rocks, graphite, and violets, it offers a full-bodied, ultra-pure, polished style on the palate that gains depth, richness and length with time in the glass. It s a great, great Rasteau that readers should snatch up. At the same quality level as the La Ponce, the Grenache-dominated 2016 Rasteau Héritage 1924 is more overtly powerful and full-bodied, with a flamboyant, deep, opulent profile that s very much in the vintage. Blackberries, blueberries, crushed violets, garrigue and new saddle leather notes all emerge from this blockbuster that, despite its exuberance and richness, stays balanced, pure, and seamless. Don t miss it. The 2016 Rasteau Argilla Ad Argillam is a prettier, perfumed and elegant wine from this appellation and offers lots of Christmas spice, violets, and black raspberry aromas and flavors. It s medium-bodied, seamless and ready to go. I love the wines from this appellation, which always have a charm and accessibility that makes them a joy to drink. The 2016 Cairanne Le Ventabren is certainly in that mold and has a charming, fleshy, forward personality to go with classic dark fruits and spice. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. In the same mold, the 2016 Cairanne La Boutine offers impressive amounts of kirsch, dried earth/loamy soil, and white flowers, and it too is seamless, silky, and polished on the palate, with considerable elegance. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Les Antimagnes (70% Grenache and 30% Syrah) has ample blackberry and cherry fruits, crushed rocks, herbs, and licorice aromas and flavors, superb purity, fine tannin, and plenty of length. It s a terrific looking barrel sample that s going to drink nicely on release and keep for 3-5 years. From a terroir just like Rasteau, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Roaix Les Hautes Granges is mostly Syrah brought up all in barrels. Saturated purple in color with a huge nose of blackberries, smoked earth, pepper, and bay leaf, it s full-bodied, has beautiful purity, a big, fat midpalate, and sweet tannin. It will drink nicely for 4-6 years at a minimum. Lots of black cherries, peppery herbs, garrigue, and violet notes emerge from the 2017 Cairanne Le Ventabren. Medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, fresh and elegant on the palate, it s another beautiful wine from this estate that s well worth your time and money. The blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Carignan that was brought up all in tank. From the oldest Grenache vines of the estate and brought up all in concrete, the 2017 Cairanne La Boutine has a ruby/purple color to go with a pure, elegant, lively bouquet of strawberries, spring flowers, and sappy herbs. It s unquestionably the most elegant and silky wine in the lineup from Gilles Ferran. Raspberries, spice, dried flowers, and ample minerality all emerge from the 2017 Rasteau Les Côteaux (70/30 Grenache and Syrah), which is lightly textured, balanced and pure on the palate. It has none of the classic rusticity of the appellation and is an elegant, impressive Rasteau that s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. Beautifully complex, with notes of lavender, bay leaf, orange peel, and spice, the 2017 Rasteau La Ponce is medium to full-bodied, has silky tannin, terrific purity, and a great finish. It s a year in, year out smoking value, and 2017 isn t going to be an exception. The 2017 Rasteau Héritage 1924 is mostly very old vine Grenache from higher elevation parcels. It has terrific notes of black raspberries, cassis, crushed rocks, and lavender as well as a beautiful floral quality. Fullbodied, pure and elegant, yet also powerful, it s a quintessential Rasteau. Brought up in amphora, the 2017 Rasteau Argilla Ad Argillam is equal parts Grenache and Syrah. Black cherries, lavender, sappy herbs, and floral notes all emerge from this beauty, which is fine, elegant, and about as easy to drink as it gets. LA FAGOTIERE LA FAGOTIERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 88 LA FAGOTIERE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 87 LA FAGOTIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 90 LA FAGOTIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE RIGODON NA RED 93 Clean, vibrant notes of white peach and white flowers all emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc, which offers medium body, bright acidity, and a beautiful texture. Made from close to 100% Clairette (there s a splash of Grenache Blanc) brought up in stainless steel, it s a solid house white. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is a charmer, with medium-bodied aromas and flavors of black fruits, peppery herbs, and earth. It s a meaty, classic southern Rhône geared for near-term drinking. Lots of garrigue, kirsch, spice, and peppery notes emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It s an upfront, fleshy, seamless effort from this estate that s already impossible to resist. The blend is 70% Grenache, 25% JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 23

24 Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre, all brought up in concrete tanks. It s at the same level as the 2010 and well worth your time and money. A new cuvée I m not familiar with, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Rigodon is slightly more dense and powerful, with dark berry and cherry CHATEAU FARGUEIROL CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 100% GRENACHE NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 100% MOURVEDRE NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 100% SYRAH NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE ANTONIN NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE JEAN XXII NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEUX CHEMIN NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE ANTONIN NA RED 90-92? CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 100% SYRAH NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 100% MOURVEDRE NA RED CHATEAU FARGUEIROL 2017 COTES DU RHONE LE ROUGE DE MAUBUISSON NA RED The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 100% Grenache is, you guessed it, 100% Grenache. Coming all from the southern portion of the Farguerol vineyard (this is all rolled stone soils) and aged in demi-muids, it has classic Grenache notes of garrigue, cherries, raspberries, and spice. Medium-bodied, layered, nicely fruited, and undeniably charming (I could drink it already), it should keep nicely for 7-8 years or more. Offering more spice, leather and peppery herbs, which is what you d expect from Mourvèdre, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 100% Mourvèdre has plenty of fruit, medium to full body, impressive tannins, and a silky texture. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 100% Syrah is full-bodied and nicely concentrated, with lots of black and blue fruits, peppery herbs, and earth. With impressive purity and si ky tannins, it should certainly be an outstanding wine as well as a great example of Syrah from the Southern Rhône. The classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has outstanding potential and is a traditional beauty that displays lots of ripe black cherry, seaweed, and peppery garrigue in a nicely balanced, medium-bodied package. The blend is 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Made from 100% Grenache, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Antonin is a ripe, heady effort that packs some oomph in its cherry liqueur, blackberry, ground herbs, and earthy aromas and flavors. With full body, ripe, polished tannins, good mid-palate depth, and plenty of length, drink it on release and over the following 6-7 years. The medium ruby-colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Jean XXII is slightly more mid-weight yet has a terrific Pinot Noir-like elegance about it. Strawberries, cherries, leafy herbs, and hints of pepper all emerge from this lightly textured, impeccably balanced red that s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieux Chemin is also relatively midweight, with a charming, balanced profile. Offering plenty of garrigue, peppery spice, and red and black fruits, it has good freshness and purity, and should also drink well early in its life. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault) offers top-notch complexity as well as medium body, a rounded, supple texture, good mid-palate depth, and plenty of length. It s going to be a classic, traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Made from 100% Grenache, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Antonin is a rich, opulent barrel sample that has a touch of candied fruit as well as headiness. Black raspberries, cotton candy, garrigue, and Asian spice notes give way to a full-bodied effort that improves with time in the glass, offering good mid-palate depth and sweet tannins. My gut says this will come together nicely once in bottle. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 100% Syrah is another fine expression of Syrah from the south. Lots of blackberries, plums, graphite, and licorice as well as some background meatiness emerge from this medium to fullbodied, big, rich 2017 that holds onto a sense of purity and finesse. A unique blend (although we re seeing more and more Mourvèdredominated cuvées in the region) of 100% Mourvèdre, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 100% Mourvèdre is a more savory, mineral-laced, earthy effort that has some assertive tannins, good red and black fruits, and solid mid-palate depth. Give it 2-4 years to integrate those tannins, and it should evolve gracefully. Close to equal parts Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Le Rouge de Maubuisson is a beauty that has tons of upfront black and blue fruits, some underlying floral and tropical notes, medium body, and a fresh, elegant style. It s a total winner in the vintage. DOMAINE EDDIE FERAUD DOMAINE EDDIE FERAUD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 92 The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a beauty, and I suspect the finest I ve tasted from the estate, which can be said for a number of new releases, especially the whites, from this region. Classic apple blossom, a touch of minerality and spice, medium-bodied richness, good acidity, and plenty of depth and richness on the palate all make for a great example of the quality routinely coming from this region today. FERME CHABRAN FERME CHABRAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED Not yet bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (77% Grenache and the balance Mourvèdre, Counoise and Syrah) has a fresh, floral bouquet of ripe strawberries, cherries, rose garden and sappy herbs. It s seamless fruits, hints of spice, leather, and pepper, full body, ripe tannin, and a great finish. Made from 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre, brought up all in foudre, it s unquestionably the finest wine I ve tasted from this estate. Drink it any time over the coming decade or more. and elegant on the palate and just oozes finesse. It s not a blockbuster, yet it s seamless, pure, and perfectly balanced, with an almost Rayas hint in its aromas and flavors. No website found. LA FERME DU MONT LA FERME DU MONT 2017 COTES DU RHONE LA TRUFFIERE BLANC $15 WHITE 91 LA FERME DU MONT 2017 COTES DU RHONE PREMIERE COTE NA RED LA FERME DU MONT 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LE PONNANT NA RED LA FERME DU MONT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VENDANGE $39 RED LA FERME DU MONT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CAPELAN $69 RED I loved the 2017 Côtes du Rhône La Truffière Blanc, a terrific value that s as good as any number of Châteauneuf-du-Pape whites. Citrus, white flowers, and crushed rock notes all flow to a medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant white that has great acidity and cut, while not coming across as lean or stretched. The blend is 40% each of Viognier and Grenache Blanc, with the balance mostly Clairette and Roussanne. While no 2016s were submitted, the 2017s look to be brilliant wines pretty much across the board. Exotic, with lots of spice, sappy green herbs, flowers, and orange peel notes, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Première Côte is medium-bodied, fresh and elegant on the palate. It s not a powerhouse yet has finesse and elegance. The blend is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre, brought up all in concrete tanks. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Le Ponnant offers more depth and richness as well as darker fruits, spice, saddle leather, and dried flower aromas and flavors. It s rich, medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and long. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vendange has a concentrated, medium to full-bodied style as well as some exotic, sappy herbs, and JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 24

25 spring flower aromas and flavors. Leading with more dark fruit, it gains depth and richness with time in the glass and will certainly be an outstanding wine. The flagship is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Capelan, and in 2017 it s 80% Grenache, and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up in CHATEAU DES FERRAGES CHATEAU DES FERRAGES 2017 COTES DE PROVENCE COLLECTION LES INFIRMIERES BLANC $45 WHITE 95 CHATEAU DES FERRAGES 2017 COTES DE PROVENCE ROUMERY ROSE $16 ROSE 90 CHATEAU DES FERRAGES 2017 COTES DE PROVENCE SAINTE VICTOIRE MON PLAISIR ROSE $20 ROSE 91 CHATEAU DES FERRAGES 2016 COTES DE PROVENCE SAINTE VICTOIRE COLLECTION ESQUIROL $45 RED 93 CHATEAU DES FERRAGES 2017 COTES DE PROVENCE SAINTE VICTOIRE COLLECTION ESQUIROL $45 RED Located in Provence, the Château des Ferrages releases are made by the team at Chapoutier. While they fall outside the purview of this report, the quality is incredibly high, and I m thrilled to be able to recommend them here. An incred ble white from Provence, the 2017 Côtes de Provence Collection Les Infirmières Blanc (100% Clairette) offers a powerful, rich and full-bodied style as well as awesome notes of white peaches, honeysuckle, white flowers, and brioche. This vineyard selection was brought up all in demimuids and is certainly the finest white I ve ever tasted from the region. The 2017 Côtes de Provence Roumery Rosé is classic Provence all the way and is juicy and crisp, with lots of salinity in its ripe strawberry and orange blossom aromas and flavors. Drink it over the coming summer months. Made from Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle (aka Vermentino), the 2017 Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire Mon Plaisir Rosé is even better and has a classic salinity as well as notes of white peaches, strawberries, and flowers. It s medium-bodied, clean, and pure, yet has an almost structured, chiseled style on the palate. It s another brilliant rosé. Moving to the reds, the 2016 Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire Collection Esquirol checks in as 100% Syrah brought up all in concrete tanks. It offers lots of chocolaty dark fruits, pepper, and classic spice notes, full-bodied richness and depth, good overall freshness, and a big finish. Named after the vineyard where the grapes are sourced, drink this powerful, impressive Syrah over the coming 6-7 years. In the same ballpark as the 2016, the 2017 Côtes de Provence Sainte Victoire Collection Esquirol (100% Single Vineyard Syrah brought up all in concrete) has slightly more freshness, with notes of blackberries, peppery herbs, and a touch of minerality. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, and certainly impressive, it s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. DOMAINE DE FERRAND DOMAINE DE FERRAND 2017 COTES DU RHONE MISTRAL NA RED DOMAINE DE FERRAND 2016 COTES DU RHONE ANTIQUE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 91 DOMAINE DE FERRAND 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE DE FERRAND 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED Domaine de Ferrand is located in the northern portion of Châteauneuf-du- Pape, just north of Vieille Julienne and to the west of Marcoux. I can t speak highly enough of the efforts of winemaker Philippe Bravey, who consistently turns out ripe, voluptuous, classic wines that deliver both hedonistic and intellectual pleasure. I d happily drink his wines any day. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Mistral is silky and elegant, with pretty red fruits, pepper, and exotic floral notes. I love its texture, itsbeautiful balance, and its forward, perfumed, incred bly gulpable style. Another brilliant Côtes du Rhône from this address is the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Antique Vieilles Vignes, which is mostly Grenache from vines just north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It offers outstanding notes of black cherries, raspberries, spice and crushed flowers. It s medium to full-bodied, ultra-fine, and beautifully balanced. I loved it, and it delivers everything you could want from a Côtes du Rhône. While the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape isn t in bottle yet, my money is on it being one of the finest wines Philippe Bravey has ever made. Based on 87% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre, Syrah, Bourboulenc, and Cinsault, brought up all in concrete, this awesome wine boasts a huge nose of garrigue, currants, lavender, and exotic flowers. Hitting the palate with full-bodied richness, a stacked, layered mid-palate, and a blockbuster texture, it nevertheless stays seamless and elegant, with no sense of weight or heaviness. It reminds me of a slightly more elegant The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape will be a step back from the 2016 yet is nevertheless an incredible wine. Offering slightly less power in its garrigue, sweet red fruits, underbrush, and mint, it stays fresh and silky on the palate, with medium to full-bodied richness and perfect balance. It s a sexy, seamless No website found. FERRATON FERRATON 2017 COTES DU RHONE SAMORENS BLANC $15 WHITE 91 FERRATON 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES BIO $16 RED 88 FERRATON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE PARVIS $45 RED FERRATON 2017 COTES DU RHONE SAMORENS $15 RED FERRATON 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES BIO $18 RED FERRATON 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU $18 RED FERRATON 2017 GIGONDAS $38 RED FERRATON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE PARVIS $45 RED Ferraton is a tiny Northern Rhône estate owned by the team at Chapoutier. They churn out a bevy of rock-solid negociant wines both from the northern and southern parts of the Rhône Valley that merit attention. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Samorens Blanc checks in as a mix of Roussanne, Viognier and Clairette brought up in stainless steel. It s fresh, v brant, and crisp, yet has plenty of heft in its peach, tangerine, and citrus aromas and flavors. With bright acidity, outstanding balance, and a great finish, drink it over the coming 2-3 years. A blend of close to equal parts Grenache and Syrah, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Bio has a Northern Rhône vibe in its pepper, earth, blackfruited personality. With medium to full-bodied richness, terrific volume, and a clean, balanced textured, it s another steal of a wine. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Parvis is a winner, with upfront, perfumed and spicy aromas and flavors, full body, an elegant, weightless texture, and outstanding length. It offers more garrigue and honeysuckle notes with time in the glass as well as building tannins. Drink it on release and over the following 7-8 years. A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Samorens gives up plenty of black raspberries, peppery herbs, and licorice aromas and flavors, with a distinct minerality with time in the glass. It s ripe, 70% new barrel (although you wouldn t know it by tasting it). Already complex and layered, with fabulous notes of saddle leather, smoked black fruits, garrigue and lavender, this beauty is full-bodied, powerful and concentrated, yet has stunning purity and freshness. It s up with the gems of the vintage. textured and balanced, with sweet tannin. From the northern part of the Gard and a blend of 60/40 Grenache and Syrah, from clay and limestone soils, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Bio offers a v brant purple color, upfront notes of blueberries, blackberries, crushed violets, and spice, medium to full-bodied richness, and sweet tannins. An even split of Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu sports a v brant purple/ruby color as well as complex notes of sweet black raspberry and blackberry fruits, spice, incense, and flowers. It s sexy, ripe, and incredibly powerful, which is the MO for the Plan de Dieu region of the Southern Rhône. Pretty red and black fruits, peppery spice, and earthy characteristics emerge from the 2017 Gigondas, which is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that was destemmed and aged in concrete tanks. It s rich, medium to fullbodied, has building tannins, and stays light and graceful on its feet. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Parvis comes from the northern part of the appellation, which is primarily rolled stone terroirs. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, its deep purple color is followed by a sweet bouquet of crème de cassis, jammy blackberries, crushed flowers, and hints of minerality. Drink this sexy, medium to full-bodied, rounded, pure beauty over the coming decade. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 25

26 DOMAINE LA FLORANE DOMAINE LA FLORANE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES VISAN TERRE POURPRE NA RED 91 DOMAINE LA FLORANE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES JE NE SOUFFRE PLUS NA RED 89 This estate is located in the higher elevation, cooler terroir around the village of Visan. The wines are made by the talented Adrien Fabre, who s also married to Vieux Donjon s Claire Michel of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Visan Terre Pourpre sports a medium ruby color as well as a peppery, exotic bouquet of plums, blueberries, spice, and spring flowers. It s medium-bodied, si ky and polished, with terrific purity and elegance. Already bottled, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Je Ne Souffre Plus is a rounded, opulently textured, medium to full-bodied effort that has classic black and blue fruits (black cherries, blueberries), lavender and garrigue aromas and flavors. It has a big attack, a lush, supple mid-palate, and a fleshy, ready to go style. FOND CROZE FOND CROZE 2017 RASTEAU $19 RED FOND CROZE 2017 CAIRANNE $19 RED FOND CROZE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SHYRUS $16 RED FOND CROZE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ROMANAISE $16 RED FOND CROZE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LES VIEUX CEPS DE RAYMOND $16 RED 89 FOND CROZE 2017 COTES DU RHONE CONFIDENCE $12 RED The 2017 Rasteau is mostly Grenache blended with 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Macerated cherries, violets, spring flowers, and blood orange notes all emerge from this ripe, sexy Rasteau. It has the powerful fruit and mineral character of this appellation, yet is balanced and pure on the palate, with remarkable finesse. Checking in as a blend of 50% Grenache and 25% each of Mourvèdre and Carignan, the 2017 Cairanne reveals a deep purple color as well as complex notes of black raspberries, white pepper, flowers, and limestonelike minerality. It s beautiful on the palate as well, with silky tannin, great purity of fruit, and a clean finish. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Shyrus is another deeply colored effort from this estate. Made from 100% Syrah, it gives up a great nose of violets, blueberries, acacia flowers, and spice. It s silky, elegant and beautifully balanced, with some classic Syrah pepper and meat coming through with time in the glass. From a single parcel of Grenache planted on a north facing slope, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Romanaise is deeply colored and offers a pretty, perfumed, yet concentrated style. Black raspberries, graphite, pepper, and spice notes, medium to full body, fine tannin, and moderate acidity all make for a beautiful Côtes du Rhône Villages. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Vieux Ceps de Raymond is all old vine Carignan brought up all in tank. It gives up classic notes of red cherries, leather, beetroot, and earth. Remarkably elegant, silky and fine on the palate, with good acidity and length, it s a rock-solid effort that s worth seeking out. Not yet bottled, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Confidence gives up a deep purple color as well as a juicy, v brant bouquet of blackberries, blueberries, violets, and pepper. It s clean, with medium to full body and excellent purity. FONDRECHE FONDRECHE 2017 VENTOUX DOMAINE BLANC NA WHITE 91 FONDRECHE 2017 VENTOUX PERSIA BLANC NA WHITE 94 FONDRECHE 2016 VENTOUX PERSIA NA RED 93 FONDRECHE 2016 VENTOUX IL ETAIS UNE FOIS NA RED 95 FONDRECHE 2016 VENTOUX DIVERGENTE NA RED 97 FONDRECHE 2017 VENTOUX DOMAINE NA RED FONDRECHE 2017 VENTOUX PERSIA NA RED FONDRECHE 2017 VENTOUX IL ETAIS UNE FOIS NA RED FONDRECHE 2017 VENTOUX DIVERGENTE NA RED Enough can t be said of the quality coming from Sebastien Vincenti s and Nanou Barthelemy s estate in the Ventoux, which is located on a limestone plateau on the eastern side of the region. These are deep, rich, concentrated wines that offer loads of personality. All from limestone soils and a blend of Grenache, Clairette, Roussanne, and Rolle, brought up in foudre and barrels, the 2017 Ventoux Domaine Blanc is a crisp, fresh, vibrant white that s going to be perfect for a meal starter. Tangerine, white peach, flowers, and honeysuckle notes all flow to a medium-bodied, classy, incredibly pure white that has good acidity, a crisp finish, and tons of charm. There s a terrific salty minerality here. The 2017 Ventoux Persia Blanc is the old vine Roussanne cuvée, and Sebastian only makes a single foudre each year. This wine comes from a single parcel of slightly steeper slopes and more fine limestone soils and is brought up in a new foudre each year. There s a hint of Beaucastel Blanc in its gorgeous white fruits, white peach, flowers, tangerine, and mineral aromas, and it hits the palate with medium body, bright acidity, awesome purity, and a clean, elegant finish. It s a gorgeous wine. Bottled in January, the Syrah-dominated (I always find a touch of Hermitage style in this wine) 2016 Ventoux Persia sports a deep, inky color as well as classic Syrah notes of blackberries, crushed rocks, peppery herbs, and earth. It s full-bodied, concentrated, has present, ripe tannin, and a great finish. It will keep for a decade. The flagship is the 2016 Ventoux Il Etais Une Fois, which is mostly Grenache with tiny amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up all in foudre. Violets, red and black fruits, spice, and dried earth/limestone minerality all give way to an elegant, medium to full-bodied Grenache that gains depth, freshness, and purity with time in the glass. It has fine, building tannin, a seamless texture, and a great, beautiful finish. Over the previous few years, the quality of this cuvée has soared, and this is one of the finest to date. Reminding me of one of the Sélections Parcellaires Hermitage from Michel Chapoutier, the 2016 Ventoux Divergente is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was mostly destemmed and brought up in foudre. Crème de cassis, black raspberries, peppered meats, graphite, and liquid rock notes all flow to a fat, unctuous, sexy Syrah that has beautiful acidity, fine tannin, and a huge finish. It s a true Wow wine that needs to be tasted to be believed. Put this in a blind lineup of top Hermitage and shock all your friends. Cassis, blackberries, violets, and an undeniable minerality all emerge from the 2017 Ventoux Domaine, which is seamless and incredibly well balanced on the palate. Pure, layered, and fabulously textured, I suspect it will be a smoking value on release. Mostly Syrah (with plenty of new oak), the 2017 Ventoux Persia has lots of blackberries, pepper, cedary herbs, and crushed violet aromas and flavors, with just subtle background oak. It s medium-bodied, beautifully textured and elegant, with fine tannin. I suspect it will gain weight with time in bottle and keep for a decade. Mostly Grenache (there s 10% Mourvèdre, but it s the first time there wasn t any Syrah in the blend), the 2017 Ventoux Il Etais Une Fois is a beauty! Gorgeous black raspberries, violets, spice, and strawberry notes all emerge from the glass, and it s rounded, supple, and beautifully polished. It s certainly one of the more forward, sexy wines in the lineup from this great estate. There s one foudre each year of the 2017 Ventoux Divergente. It s from the best terroir of the domaine and is 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Aromas of blackberries, liquid rocks, crushed violets, and spring flowers, full body, a seamless texture, beautiful acidity, and a great, great finish all make for one of the best Ventoux releases out there. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 26

27 DOMAINE FONT DE COURTEDUNE DOMAINE FONT DE COURTEDUNE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89 DOMAINE FONT DE COURTEDUNE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED 86 DOMAINE FONT DE COURTEDUNE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 Deep ruby colored, with notes of black raspberries, spiced cherries, and dried flowers, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is medium-bodied, supple and elegant, with plenty to l ke. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages offers some plum and tapenade notes in a medium-bodied, peppery, classic style. It s an enjoyable wine to drink over the coming 2-3 years. Surprisingly, I like the base 2016 Côtes du Rhône over the Côtes du Rhône Villages from Font de Courtedune. It has more fruit and oomph in its kirsch, spice, licorice, and dried earth aromas and flavors. It s a total charmer that s medium-bodied, has sweet tannin, and loads to love. No website found. CHATEAU DE LA FONT DU LOUP CHATEAU DE LA FONT DU LOUP 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 90 CHATEAU DE LA FONT DU LOUP 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 CHATEAU DE LA FONT DU LOUP 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 89 CHATEAU DE LA FONT DU LOUP 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 CHATEAU DE LA FONT DU LOUP 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PUY ROLLAND NA RED 93+ I was able to taste two Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases from Anne Charlotte Melia-Bachas. These wines come from north facing, cooler, sandy slopes in the northern part of the region and always show the more finesse-driven, elegant side to the region while never lacking for fruit or intensity. Her traditional cuvée, aged in a mix of foudre and tank, is a blend of 60-65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault, with the Mourvèdre component growing in recent vintages. The flagship is the Puy Rolland, which is 100% Grenache that s completely destemmed and brought up all in tank. In great years, these wines have an undeniable Rayas-like character, and they also age beautifully. The 2010 from my cellar is just singing today. I loved the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc, a medium-bodied, balanced, refreshing white that has lots of salinity and saltiness in its apple and citrus fruits. It shows more spicy notes with time in the glass and is beautifully balanced. Drink it over the coming year or three. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is cut from the same cloth and has classic minerality as well as notes of caramelized apples, brioche, and spice. It s rich yet fresh at the same time, with a medium-bodied, vibrant, balanced style that will keep it drink nicely for 4-5 years, and I suspect even longer. Leading off the reds, I loved the 2017 Côtes du Rhône as well, and I d happily drink this any day. Dried herbs, cherries, and toasted spice notes all flow to a si ky, medium-bodied, elegant and charming red that has loads of character. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty. Beautiful kirsch and blackberry fruits, ground herbs, hints of flowers, and pepper all flow to a medium to full-bodied, seamless wine that has terrific depth and richness as well as sweet tannin. It s well worth a case purchase and will drink brilliantly for years. The blend in 2016 is 60% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah and Cinsault. Slightly lighter colored, the 100% Grenache 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Puy Rolland gives up a sweet perfume of strawberries, raspberries, sandy soils, and dried flower notes. It s ethereal and elegant on the palate, with fine yet certainly present tannin. Rayas-like with its elegance and purity, it needs 2-4 years of bottle age for the tannins and will keep for DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE EMPIRE NA RED 94 DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DAVID ET GOLIATH NA RED 93+ DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRILOGIES NA RED 91 DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE LES VIGNES DE MON PERE NA RED DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE TERRE D ANCETRES NA RED DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRILOGIES NA RED DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DAVID ET GOLIATH NA RED DOMAINE DE FONTAVIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE EMPIRE NA RED The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Empire is my favorite in the lineup as well as the most classically styled. Blackcurrants, peppery herbs, earth, and graphite notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, fresh and vibrant 2016 that has the purity, balanced, and length of the vintage. Give it a few years, and it will keep for a decade. Always the most modern, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape David Et Goliath (95% Grenache and 5% Syrah) gives up hints of barrique in its ripe blackberry, violets, cherries, spicy, earthy aromas and flavors. It s concentrated, has beautiful purity, and enough tannin to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age. Despite the slightly modern feel, it holds onto its Southern Rhône soul and has tons of character. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Trilogies is 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre sourced from a handful of sites. Spice, garrigue, saddle leather, and peppery herb notes all flow to a complex, concentrated, medium to full-bodied effort that has moderate tannin and nicely integrated acidity. It s a solid, complex beauty to drink over the coming years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Les Vignes de Mon Pere is fresh and lively, with plenty of floral nuances, mint, and sweet cherry and strawberry fruits. Drink this medium-bodied, si ky, elegant wine over the coming 4-5 years. Slightly more concentrated, with similar floral, strawberries, and leafy green herb notes, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Terre D Ancetres is balanced, silky and polished, with a terrific finish. It too should keep for 4-5 years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Trilogies is the same blend as the 2016 and should be similar in quality. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, with sweet tannins, loads of fruit, and plenty of red and black fruits as well as floral and earthy notes, it should drink nicely right out of the gate. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape David Et Goliath (95% Grenache and 5% Syrah) is another deep, concentrated, modern-styled wine. Brought up in demimuids, it has some oak to integrate yet boasts a deep purple color, exotic notes of cassis, liquid violets, and peach pit, sweet tannins, and terrific purity. Give it a year or three to integrate its élevage, and it s going to keep for years. A partially destemmed blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Empire is still aging in a mix of concrete tanks and demi-muids. It has plenty of darker fruits as well as some exotic violet, spring flower, and pepper notes. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, and lively, it certainly has outstanding potential. CHATEAU FORTIA CHATEAU FORTIA 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 89 CHATEAU FORTIA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION NA RED 91 CHATEAU FORTIA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DU BARON NA RED 94 CHATEAU FORTIA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE NA RED 92 This estate made a rock-solid white. Their 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is based largely on Roussanne with 20% Clairette and 10% Grenache Blanc, brought up in stainless steel. This medium-bodied, racy yet balanced effort has impressive amounts of apple blossom, spiced citrus, white grapefruit, and exotic herbs. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. The classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition checks in as 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 25% Mourvèdre brought up in tanks and old foudre. Lovely garrigue, flowers, lavender, and sweet red fruits emerge from the glass, and it expands nicely on the palate, with notable purity and elegance. It s an outstanding effort from this estate. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 27

28 Similarly colored to the traditional cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Baron has rocking aromas and flavors of garrigue, kirsch liqueur, dried flowers, and spice. Deep, medium to full-bodied, elegant and weightless on the palate, it s the finest example of this cuvée since the The blend is 55% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre. Despite the high Syrah component, it just screams Grenache. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre that was brought up all in tank. Its saturated purple color is followed by a ripe, opulent yet also pure wine that has tons of blackberries, peppery herbs, graphite, and some olive notes. It s a ripe, sexy, Syrah-dominated blend from the south that s certainly worth your time and money. It will keep for a decade or more. DOMAINE GALEVAN DOMAINE GALEVAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE DOMAINE GALEVAN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES ESPRIT DEVIN NA RED 89 DOMAINE GALEVAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE GALEVAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SAINT GEORGES NA RED Not yet bottled, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a ripe, heady white that has powerful notes of pineapple, white peach, and melon. It packs some oomph yet also has bright acidity and outstanding purity, and I ve no doubt this is going to come together nicely in bottle. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Esprit Devin is a total charmer with its black cherries, lavender, forest floor and peppery bouquet. It s clean, balanced, and medium-bodied, with a great texture. Not yet bottled, the inky colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape boasts fabulous notes of blueberries, currants, violets, and licorice. It s a big, ripe, opulent wine that has sweet tannin, good acidity, and a great finish. The blend is 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre that s still aging all in older barrels. Similarly inky colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Saint Georges comes from a single parcel of old vines and is primarily Grenache. It has slightly more oak showing as well as stunning notes of cassis, licorice, graphite, and white flowers. Deep, pure, and opulent, with fine tannin, it s another killer wine from this tiny estate. domaine-galevan.com CHATEAU DE LA GARDINE BRUNEL DE LA GARDINE 2017 CÔTES DU RHÔNE BLANC NA WHITE 88 BRUNEL DE LA GARDINE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED CHATEAU DE LA GARDINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91 CHATEAU DE LA GARDINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GASTON PHILIPPE NA RED 95+ CHATEAU DE LA GARDINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PEUR BLEUE NA RED 90? CHATEAU DE LA GARDINE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 Starting with the two Côtes du Rhônes released under the Brunel de la Gardine label, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc offers pretty citrus and minty characteristics as well as a balanced, clean, impressively pure style on the palate. It s rock-solid. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is a rich, meaty, beefy effort that has plenty of Provençal character and charm. It s medium-bodied, concentrated, and has terrific mid-palate depth, especially in this vintage. Moving to the Chateau de la Gardine releases and starting with the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it offers a fresh, v brant, focused style. Black cherries, blackberries, charred earth and garrigue notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, balanced, classic wine from this estate that s going to hit primetime with 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for a decade. The more modern-styled 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Gaston Philippe gives up more cassis, smoky oak, graphite, and charred earth aromas and flavors. More spice and floral notes develop with time in the glass, it s fullbodied, powerful, and concentrated, with sweet tannin and a great finish. It s not for traditionalists out there but is a brilliant wine that s going to keep for two decades. More lavender, cured meats, plums, and blueberry fruits emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Peur Bleue. A blend of equal parts Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, it s fat, opulent and decadent on the palate, with some serious tannin as well as a hint of carbonation that has me wondering why the hell people make a cuvée like this. As always with this cuvée, or any cuvée bottled with no added SO 2, buyer beware. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is downright floral and perfumed, with lots of bright black cherries, lavender, mint, and spring flower-like aromas and flavors. Nicely balanced, with good acidity and plenty of fruit, drink it over the coming 4-5 years. CHATEAU LA GENESTIERE CHATEAU LA GENESTIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 90 There s a touch of modern flair in the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is a Syrah-dominated cuvée that has 36% Grenache, 7% Mourvèdre and smaller amounts of other permitted varieties. This big, black fruit-driven wine has lots of chocolaty fruits, spice, and pepper as well as a powerful, full-bodied style on the palate. It s a powerhouse that has loads to love. DOMAINE GEORGES LOMBRIERE DOMAINE GEORGES LOMBRIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE MARIE NA RED 90 A producer I m not familiar with, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Marie checks in as 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that s sourced mostly from rolled stone terroirs. Deep ruby colored with notes of blackberries, plums, spice, and scorched earth, it s nicely concentrated, has ripe tannin, and a classic, balanced, impressive personality. CHATEAU GIGOGNAN CHATEAU GIGOGNAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 CHATEAU GIGOGNAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CLOS DU ROI NA RED 91 CHATEAU GIGOGNAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CARDINALICE NA RED 92 The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc (close to equal parts Clairette and Grenache Blanc, with 11% Roussanne) is impressive and has classic notes of white flowers, apple blossom, citrus and plenty of spice. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced as well as concentrated, drink it over the coming 5-7 years. A blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre brought up in a mix of stainless steel and old barrels, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Roi is a ripe, sexy wine. Dried cherries, blackberries, loamy soil, and hints of cured meats give way to a rounded, supple, elegant 2016 that has moderate tannin and good length. Drink it over the coming decade. Made from 100% Grenache, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cardinalice is another terrific wine from this estate, which normally makes classic yet rarely overly exciting wines. Peppery spice, dried herbs, garrigue, tons of red fruits, and a limestone-like minerality all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, powerful, heady effort. With sweet tannins, a rounded, opulent texture, and a great finish, it s a wine for the Grenache lovers out there! DOMAINE GIRAUD DOMAINE GIRAUD 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 91 DOMAINE GIRAUD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES GALLIMARDES BLANC NA WHITE 95 DOMAINE GIRAUD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 95 DOMAINE GIRAUD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES GALLIMARDES NA RED 100 JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 28

29 DOMAINE GIRAUD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRENACHES DE PIERRE NA RED 98+ DOMAINE GIRAUD 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 92 DOMAINE GIRAUD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE GIRAUD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES GALLIMARDES NA RED DOMAINE GIRAUD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRENACHES DE PIERRE NA RED While the Châteauneuf-du-Papes from this terrific estate get all the love, they make a fabulous Côtes du Rhône. Their 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc is made from Grenache Blanc and Clairette and has a beautiful stony minerality as well as notes of white flowers and citrus, medium body, v brant acidity, and a great finish. It s more than worth seeking out. A true blockbuster as well as the finest vintage to date, the 2017 Châteauneufdu-Pape Les Gallimardes Blanc is mostly Roussanne from an incredible site located in the southern part of the appellation. Apple blossom, tart pineapple, white flowers, and a honeyed minerality all emerge from this medium to fullbodied beauty that has bright acidity, impeccable balance, and first-rate purity of fruit. It s already impossible to resist yet is going to evolve gracefully for over a decade if you re so inclined. Moving to the reds, the base 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blockbuster, and this is one of those cases where you have to wonder if it s worth the cost of the special cuvées when this wine is so good. Maire descr bes the 2016 vintage as a mix of the 2010 and 2007 vintages, and I can t disagree. This beautiful 2016 offers a terrific nose of black raspberries, garrigue, and peppered meat in a fullbodied, ripe, incred bly sexy, seamless style. It has a boatload of tannins, and despite its intensity and richness, is still elegant and seamless. Buy a case of this, trust me. Bigger and richer, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes is mostly Grenache (there s 10% Syrah) all from incred bly old vines in the Les Gallimardes lieu-dit located in the southern part of the appellation. This estate owns a tiny parcel here, and this cuvée is incredibly limited, with just 250 cases made. Possessing a huge, incred ble nose of blackberries, black raspberries, crushed rocks, garrigue, melted licorice, and cured meats, this full-bodied 2016 has a wealth of fruit and richness, no hard edges, building tannins, and awesome purity of fruit. It s the finest example of this cuvée ever made and a perfect wine. Don t miss it! Almost at the same quality level, yet very different in style, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenaches de Pierre is more classic as well as elegant. Awesome amounts of black raspberries, graphite, crushed rocks, violets, and spring flower notes emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, perfect balance, plenty of tannins, and a more fresh, focused, oh so pure style. It s going to merit a triple-digit score in 4-5 years and keep for two decades. Botted just two weeks ago, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône is another incredible winner from this estate, which seems incapable of putting a foot wrong. Ripe red and black fruits, spice, and tons of garrigue dominate this ripe, sexy, pleasurebent effort that s ideal for drinking anytime over the coming 4-5 years. It s certainly worth a case purchase. The normal blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is more medium to full-bodied and shows the ripe, sexy, sunny style in its spicy, peppery, garrigue-laced aromas and flavors. It s not going to match the 2016, but it s an outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape I d be happy to have in the cellar. Awesome notes of blueberries, black raspberries, exotic spices, and floral notes dominate the bouquet of the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes. It too shows the sunny style of the vintage, yet has nothing overripe, has remarkable purity, and sweet tannins, all pointing to another beautiful vintage for this wine. It s unquestionably the most traditional and flamboyant of the three Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenaches de Pierre is, as always, more elegant and seamless compared to the flamboyant Les Gallimardes cuvée. Spring flowers, graphite, black raspberries, and loads of sandy, loamy soil notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, incredibly elegant red that has fine, fine tannin and a great finish. It s going to put on weight over the course of its élevage and is going to benefit from short-term cellaring. DOMAINE GIULIANI DOMAINE GIULIANI 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FLORA BLANC NA WHITE DOMAINE GIULIANI 2016 COTES DU RHONE LES NOTES DE LOUIS NA RED 88 DOMAINE GIULIANI 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89 DOMAINE GIULIANI 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES GALETS DE JEANNE NA RED 91 DOMAINE GIULIANI 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE GIULIANI 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED Not yet bottled, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Flora Blanc is a spicy orchard fruit and melon-scented effort that has good acidity and a clean finish. Perfumed red fruits, spice, lavender, and rose petal notes all emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Notes de Louis, which is a beautifully elegant, lightly textured, si ky 2016 that shines for its nuance and complexity. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a ripe, classic style. Peppery herbs, black cherries, blackberries and new saddle leather notes all flow to a ripe, rounded, textured effort that has sweet tannin and loads to love. It s impressive, although I wouldn t push the aging curve. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Galets de Jeanne offers more purity and freshness, with lots of black raspberries, toasted spice, garrigue, and incense. It has a touch of modern character and is clean, balanced and beautifully made. It will keep for years. As to the two barrel samples, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is ripe and chunky, with plenty of fruit yet not much elegance. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône appears to be a better wine than the Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Black raspberries, tapenade, melted licorice, and crushed flower notes emerge from the glass, and it shows the forward, fruity, seamless style of the vintage beautifully. DOMAINE GRAND NICOLET DOMAINE GRAND NICOLET 2017 COTES DU RHONE $10 RED DOMAINE GRAND NICOLET 2017 RASTEAU TERRE DES BERTRAND $14 RED DOMAINE GRAND NICOLET 2017 RASTEAU VIEILLES VIGNES $18 RED The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is a value-priced blend of 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the balance equal parts Cinsault and Carignan. It s a smoking Côtes du Rhône loaded with sweet red and black fruits, garrigue, and saddle leather aromas and flavors. Supple, forward, and sexy, it s a great example of the vintage. The 2017 Rasteau Terre des Bertrand comes from two terroirs (a higher elevation parcel and the vines that normally go into the Les Esqueyrons cuvée). Its inky purple color is followed by an elegant, ripe, sexy red that has lots of black raspberries, blackberries, ground herbs, and spice. It has a distinct floral note with time in the glass, is medium to full-bodied, has sweet tannins, and a great finish. It s another great value. The old vine cuvée is the 2017 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes, based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre that s brought up in older barrels. Blackberries, toasted spice, smoked earth and licorice notes all flow to a rich, powerful, concentrated Rasteau that has ripe, present tannins and a great finish. It s certainly going to be an outstanding wine. GRAND TINEL GRAND TINEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 GRAND TINEL 2016 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 88 GRAND TINEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 GRAND TINEL 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 87 GRAND TINEL 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED GRAND TINEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED GRAND TINEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ALEXIS ESTABLET NA RED JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 29

30 GRAND TINEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HERES NA RED GRAND TINEL 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED GRAND TINEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED GRAND TINEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ALEXIS ESTABLET NA RED GRAND TINEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HERES NA RED Brought up in 20% new barrels (the balance was in stainless steel), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has a hint of petrol-like reduction as well as vibrant notes of white peach, spice, and obvious minerality. With medium body, bright acidity, and a great finish, it can be drunk today or cellared for a decade or more. Based on close to equal parts Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Blanc has a hint of reduction as well as notes of ripe citrus and lemon. Offering lots of minerality, a balanced, classic style, and good acidity, it s ideal for drinking over the coming year or three. In the same mold as the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc sports a vibrant gold color as well as outstanding purity in its white peach, spiced citrus, and brioche-scented bouquet. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, and textured, with plenty of minerality on the finish, it s a classy white from this estate that will evolve gracefully for a decade or more. Lots of lemons, citrus, and floral notes define the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc (equal part Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Clairette), which is lightly textured, refreshing, and balanced. It would be a great house white to drink over the coming year or three. Not yet bottled, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah all from the southern edge of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This rocking barrel sample has a deep ruby/purple color, terrific depth of fruit, lots of pepper and minerality, and building tannin. It has outstanding potential. Deep black cherries, currants, roasted herbs, licorice, and a ton of minerality emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is an 80/20 split of Grenache and Syrah brought up mostly in foudre. This deep, full-bodied, concentrated classic cuvée has sweet tannin, beautiful depth of fruit, and a great finish. It s just another smoking good 2016 that s going to deliver the goods over the coming years. Made from 100% Grenache from the Les Esqueirons and La Guardiole lieux-dits, brought up in smaller barrels and demi-muids, the purple-colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Alexis Establet gives up a fabulous bouquet of black raspberries, crushed flowers, incense, spice, and candied orange peel. It s deep, full-bodied, has silky tannins, and a great finish. From the sandy soils of the La Guardiole lieu-dit, the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape Heres is 100% Grenache brought up all in tank. Sporting a deeply saturated color as well as terrific notes of plums, violets, blueberries, and dried earth, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ultra-fine tannin, and a great, great finish. It s elegant yet powerful and a beautiful wine. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône checks in as 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was raised mostly in stainless steel yet had 30% brought up in foudre. It offers plenty of kirsch, bay leafy, spring flowers, and hints of orange peel in a medium-bodied, supple, beautifully balanced package. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (80/20 Grenache and Syrah) sports a saturated ruby color to go with a rich, surprisingly powerful style. Blackberries, ground herbs, some floral notes and plenty of spice give way to a full-bodied barrel sample that has fine tannin, good acidity, and a great finish. Brought up mostly in foudres (there s roughly 20% in smaller barrels and demi-muids), it should drink nicely right out of the gate yet also evolve for a decade or more. Moving to the two special cuvées, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Alexis Establet is all Grenache raised in 70% foudres and 30% in onceused barrels. It reveals a concentrated, full-bodied style as well as impressive amounts of black fruits, graphite, smoked earth and spice. Grenache excelled in 2017 (despite tiny yields), and this inky colored beauty is certainly a success. Also all Grenache, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Heres comes from older vines and the sandy soils of the La Guardiole lieu-dit and is being brought up all in tank. Ripe strawberries, blueberries, bay leaf, orange peel, and exotic floral notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, concentrated, yet exceedingly elegant 2017 that has sweet tannins and terrific purity. As with the Alexis Establet release, it s a smoking success in the vintage. GRANDES SERRES GRANDES SERRES 2017 COTES DU RHONE LES PORTES DU CASTELAS BLANC NA WHITE 87 GRANDES SERRES 2017 COTES DU RHONE LES PORTES DU CASTELAS NA RED 88 GRANDES SERRES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA COUR DES PAPES NA RED 89 The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Les Portes du Castelas Blanc is slightly reduced and difficult to read yet has enjoyable notes of buttered citrus, honeysuckle, and almonds. With medium-bodied richness, good density, and a charming, straightforward style, give bottles another 6 months or so and enjoy over the following 2-3 years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Les Portes du Castelas is rock-solid and just loaded with black fruits, peppery herbs, and smoked earth. Rich, mouthfilling and textured, this sexy little effort will drink well for 3-4 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Cour des Papes checks in as 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah, destemmed and brought up mostly in stainless steel tanks. It s a big, full-bodied, chewy wine that s packed with fruit as well as classic notes of black cherries, blackberries, peppery spices and hints of tapenade. It s a delicious mouthful of a wine to enjoy over the coming 7-8 years. No website found. DOMAINE GUY MOUSSET DOMAINE GUY MOUSSET 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 89 DOMAINE GUY MOUSSET 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LES GARRIGUES NA RED 90 DOMAINE GUY MOUSSET 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE GUY MOUSSET 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LES GARRIGUES NA RED Blackberries, strawberries, spring flowers, and some peppery, sappy herb aromas all emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône. It s medium-bodied, pretty, and silky on the palate, with terrific elegance and purity. I love its fine, silky tannins and it opens up nicely with time in the glass. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Garrigues is also terrific, with more garrigue, pepper, and spring flower notes. It too is silky, elegant and polished, with impeccable balance. I love the 2017 Côtes du Rhône, a classic, impeccably made wine that has everything you re looking for in a value-priced Côtes du Rhône. Ripe red and black fruits, garrigue, pepper, and leather, medium body, a ripe, rounded, charming texture, and good freshness all make for delicious wine. It s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Garrigues offers more strawberries, garrigue, lavender, and spice, and is slightly more nuanced and complex. It has terrific purity and is another complex, finesse-driven wine from this great winemaker. No website found. HALOS DE JUPITER HALOS DE JUPITER 2017 VIN DE FRANCE BLANC $12 WHITE 89 HALOS DE JUPITER 2016 VACQUEYRAS $26 RED 93 HALOS DE JUPITER 2016 GIGONDAS $28 RED 94+ HALOS DE JUPITER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $49 RED 94 HALOS DE JUPITER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ADRASTEE $69 RED 98 HALOS DE JUPITER 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES $14 RED HALOS DE JUPITER 2017 COTES DU RHONE $16 RED HALOS DE JUPITER 2017 VACQUEYRAS $26 RED HALOS DE JUPITER 2017 GIGONDAS $28 RED JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 30

31 HALOS DE JUPITER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $49 RED HALOS DE JUPITER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ADRASTEE $69 RED These Halos de Jupiter releases are the personal label of well-known oenologist Philippe Cambie and are made to highlight Grenache from the different terroirs in the Southern Rhône. The 2016s are the strongest set of releases to date, and the 2017s aren t far behind. If you love Grenache, you owe it to yourself to try these wines. A candidate for a house white, the 2017 Vin de France Blanc checks in as a blend of 50% Roussanne, 40% Grenache Blanc, and the rest Colombard. It has a touch of minerality as well as enjoyable notes of citrus, pear, and white flowers. Drink this crisp, refreshing white over the coming couple of years. Brough up in a mix of 500-liter barrels and tank, the 2016 Vacqueyras (85% Grenache and 15% Syrah) boasts a rounded, sexy style as well as loads of ripe black fruits, licorice, and peppery garrigue. It s a classic 2016 that s incredibly satisfying, offering both intellectual and hedonistic pleasure. It s already great today yet will keep in cool cellars for upward of a decade. The 2016 Gigondas (88% Grenache and 12% Mourvèdre) is more straight, focused, and structured compared to the Vacqueyras release. Terrific notes of black cherries, blackberries, graphite, and ground pepper all emerge from this classic expression of the appellation. It picks up more minerality and a touch of chocolate with time in the glass, has a layered, fullbodied style, and a great finish. It s terrific today yet I think it will be even better with 2-4 years of bottle age and it should keep for upward of a decade. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape comes from sandy parcels in the appellation and is 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre brought up in once- and twice-used demi-muids. This is a ripe, rounded, opulent, and full-bodied Châteauneuf-du-Pape that s very much in the house style. Deep, flamboyant notes of black raspberries, incense, toasted spices, and garrigue all emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with ample power and richness, yet always stays lively and elegant. Drink it any time over the coming years. The flagship is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Adrastée, which is always 100% Grenache sourced from the famed La Crau lieu-dit, from vines south of Vieux Télégraphe, brought up in once used Burgundy barrels. This beauty is the finest vintage to date and offers an extraordinary bouquet of black raspberries, incense, lavender, and a loamy soil/minerality that emerges with time in the glass. Full-bodied, rich and powerful, it stays lively and graceful on the palate, has building tannins, no hard edges, and a finish that just won t quit. It s a blockbuster to enjoy over the coming years. Leading off the 2017s, the 2017 Costières de Nîmes is an undeniably sexy wine that has a sweet nose of black raspberries, kirsch, garrigue, and spice. It s medium to full-bodied, straight-up hedonistic and pleasure-bent, with sweet tannins and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. A blend of 80/20 Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône gives up ample dark fruits, black cherries, licorice, and herbs. It s medium to fullbodied, has good acidity, and a big, rich, opulent style Brought up two-thirds in barrel and one-third in vat, the 2017 Vacqueyras (85% Grenache and 15% Syrah) has lots of blueberry blackberry fruits, notes of violets and pepper, medium to full body, good acidity, and a great finish. I love the bouquet of the 2017 Gigondas (90/10 Grenache and Mourvèdre), which gives up tons of black cherries, graphite, crushed rocks, and beautiful spice. Deep, medium to full-bodied, pure and elegant, with building tannin, it s a seamless, beautifully elegant, layered barrel sample. From a single terroir on the Mont-Redon plateau, which is all rolled stones, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre) is a gorgeous, layered, ripe, sexy wine that knocks it out of the park in the vintage. Full-bodied, sweetly fruited, opulent and sexy, it s going to drink nicely right out of the gate yet keep for years. Deeply colored, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Adrastée is all Grenache from the pebbly soils just south of Vieux Télégraphe, on the La Crau plateau, and is aged in used Burgundy barrels. It s a seriously pleasure-bent barrel sample and offers more minerality, black cherries, incense, and violet-like aromas and flavors. Deep, powerful, full-bodied, and yet sexy and seamless, with elegant tannins, it s a rock star effort. CHATEAU HUSSON CHATEAU HUSSON 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED Not yet bottled, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône is a big, rich, concentrated 2016 that has ample candied black cherries, lavender, mint, and spice aromas and flavors. It packs the depth of fruit found in the vintage, has good acidity, and notable tannin, all making for a solid-looking Côtes du Rhône. No website found. DOMAINE DE JANASSE DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRESTIGE BLANC NA WHITE 97 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 90 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 PRINCIPAUTE D ORANGE VIOGNIER NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 93 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 PRINCIPAUTE D ORANGE ROSE NA ROSE 89 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 COTES DU RHONE ROSE NA ROSE 90 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2016 PRINCIPAUTE D ORANGE TERRE DE BUSSIERE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES TERRE D ARGILE NA RED 92 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2016 COTES DU RHONE LES GARRIGUES NA RED 94 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 95 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE CHAUPIN NA RED 99 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 99 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE XXL NA RED 100 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 89 DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES TERRE D ARGILE NA RED DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 COTES DU RHONE LES GARRIGUES NA RED DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE CHAUPIN NA RED DOMAINE DE JANASSE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED You ll be hard pressed to find a better run estate than that of Domaine de Janasse, which has been in the Sabon family since Today it s the brother and sister pair of Christophe and Isabelle Sabon at the helm, and they continue to produce a bevy of sensational Côtes du Rhônes and Châteauneuf du Papes from their vines in the northeastern region of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and around the village of Courthézon. While they ve pulled back on the pedal-to-the-metal style of the early and mid-2000s, their wines today offer more purity, precision, and elegance while still possessing ample hedonistic fireworks. In short, these are brilliant wines that readers need to snatch up. One of the finest whites made in the vintage is unquestionably the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Blanc from Janasse. Based on 70% Roussanne, 20% Grenache Blanc and the rest a mix of varieties, vinified and aged in demi-muids (there are only two barrels), it has rock star notes of white peaches, caramelized citrus, white flowers, spice, and subtle tangerine-l ke exotic notes. It s a rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated white that has vibrant acidity, perfect balance, and a great, great finish. There are few Rhône whites better than this beauty. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades. Bottled in February, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc is vibrant and fresh (Christophe commented that he was surprised by the freshness in the 2017s) with outstanding notes of citrus, tangerine peel, and hints of minerality. Medium-bodied, elegant, and with a hint of minerality developing with time in the glass, it s a no-brainer purchase and a great example of the quality of the whites from this great estate. Made from 100% Viognier, the 2017 Principauté d Orange Viognier JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 31

32 offers classic notes of melon ball, tangerines, and flowers and has a solid mix of richness and freshness on the palate. It continues to gain depth with time in the glass, yet is always pure and balanced. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc includes slightly more Clairette and less Grenache than normal, all due to the difficulty in the yields of Grenache in Bottled in May, it offers a purity and elegance that s hard to find as well as notes of white flowers, white peach, honeysuckle, and spice. With subtle minerality, medium to full body, and nicely integrated acidity, it s a classic white from Janasse that will keep for two decades or more. This estate always makes a fine rosé, and the entry-level 2017 Principauté d Orange Rosé offers lots of cherries, orange blossom, and spice, with an almost Provençal salinity. It s juicy, crisp, and delicious. While the IGP is very Provençal, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Rosé is richer and more of a food rosé. Medium to light pink in color, with lots of strawberry, framboise, and flowers, it s medium-bodied, crisp, layered, and textured. It doesn t have the weight of a Tavel and is going to be about as versatile as it gets. Leading off the reds and mostly Merlot brought up in older barrels, the 2016 Principauté d Orange Terre de Bussiere sports a deep ruby color as well as a pure, elegant, ripe style in its blackberry, cherries, and leafy, peppery herbs. Medium-bodied, charming, and elegant, it s a high-class bistro wine to drink over the coming couple of years. Bottled in March of this year, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône villages Terre D Argile sports a deep purple color as well as a fresh, elegant, classy style in its cassis, crushed violets, spice, and mineral. It s full-bodied, has beautiful purity, fine tannins, and a pure, clean, straight style. It s going to age gracefully as well. Bottled in February (slightly earlier than the Terre d Argile), the 100% Grenache 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Garrigues boasts awesome notes of kirsch liqueur, crushed rocks, framboise, pepper, and graphite. This sexy, full-bodied, yet incredibly elegant red has building tannin, a seamless, si ky texture, and no hard edges. Pure, elegant and seamless, it s a thrillingly satisfying wine. Moving to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape from bottle, the 2016 vintage was descr bed as having the power of 2010 and similar to yet fresher than The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a great bouquet of black raspberries, tapenade, crushed violets, and spring flowers, and shares lots of similarities to the Chaupin cuvée (and it s less expensive!). Full-bodied, incredibly elegant and seamless, it might be the finest traditional cuvée ever produced from this estate. Bottled end of February/early in March, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin is incredible stuff, and while I suspect it s the best vintage to date, it s going to be great comparing it to bottles of the 2005, 2007, 2010, and 2015 over the coming 15+ years. This beauty offers a thrilling blend of kirsch, blackberries, smoked earth, graphite, and licorice on the nose. It s full-bodied, deep, pure, ultra-fine, and powerful on the palate and flirts with perfection. It s a tour de force in Grenache that readers need to snatch up! Bottled at the same time, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes gives up more cassis, tapenade, underbrush, cured meats, and earth, and it s a slightly more dense, backward wine compared to the Chaupin. Full-bodied and beautifully concentrated, with tons of structure, it stays fresh and elegant, has sweet tannins, and a blockbuster finish. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape XXL has only been made previously in the 2007 vintage, and there are around 400 cases of this beauty in Coming from old vines near Beaucastel, La Crau, and Saumade, which are all rolled stone terroirs, it s mostly Grenache (there s 10% Mourvèdre) brought up primarily in demi-muids. This incredible wine is deep ruby/purple-colored with a massive nose of black fruits, scorched earth, graphite, incense, and pepper. Deep, hugely concentrated, pure, fine and yet still elegant, it s a magical, heavenly wine that s going to keep for 3-4 decades. While the style at Janasse has shifted to one of slightly more freshness and elegance since 2007, this is much more in the style of the old days and is guaranteed to make your blood pressure jump about 10 points or more! Being bottled the week of my visit, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône is 50% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and smaller amounts of Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault, and Counoise. It s a ripe, sexy little Côtes du Rhône that has tons of cherry, strawberry, and raspberry fruit, plenty of garrigue and spice, medium body, and a rounded, sexy style. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône villages Terre D Argile comes from the same terroir as the Les Garrigues yet includes smaller components of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. It s a medium to full-bodied, elegant barrel sample that has lots of black raspberry fruits, plenty of garrigue and spice, fine tannin, and a great finish. This wine is a year in, year out value. There s a single foudre of the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Les Garrigues, which is always from the same terroir (the rolled stone soils located just north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape) and is 100% Grenache. Kirsch, blackberries, scorched earth, and some graphite notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, seamless red that has terrific acidity, notable freshness, and a clean finish. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is 60% Grenache with the balance Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Syrah. It s a rounded, pretty, elegant 2017 that s very much in the upfront, forward style of the vintage. Black raspberries, garrigue, spring flowers, and some sappy herb notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, classic cuvée from this estate that will drink well for years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Chaupin (100% Grenache) comes from the northern part of the appellation, mostly from the lieu-dit of the same name. A small part comes from the La Janasse lieu-dit as well as La Crau (this cuvée gets the sandy part of their vines in La Crau). It s a beautiful, elegant barrel sample that has classic notes of black raspberries, kirsch, pepper, and some crushed rocks. Only partially destemmed and brought up in a mix of foudre and demi-muids, mostly neutral, it s fullbodied, has remarkable purity, a decidedly floral character, and a great finish. Deeper ruby/purple-colored, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes includes slightly less Grenache than normal and is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. It offers more blackberry, cassis, peppery herbs, and crushed rocks, with a beautiful sense of minerality. Rich, full-bodied, concentrated and focused, it shows an elegant, vibrant side to the vintage yet still has the expected Janasse power and depth. CHATEAU JAS DE BRESSY CHATEAU JAS DE BRESSY 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 CHATEAU JAS DE BRESSY 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 CHATEAU JAS DE BRESSY 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is an even split of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne brought up in old barrels and concrete tanks. It s about as classic as it gets, giving up orchard fruits, brioche, and spice, and it hits the palate with a richer, medium to full-bodied style that still carries vibrant acidity. The deep ruby-colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (80% Grenache, 15% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre) is a rocking base cuvée that sports a deep ruby color, notes of black cherries, chocolate, and garrigue, full body, and sweet, polished tannins. It s quite possibly the finest vintage from this label to date. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a similar blend to the 2016 and has a darker, earthier slant in its tobacco leaf, dark fruits, olive, and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, and undeniably charming, it should drink well right out of the gate. LE JAS DES PAPES LE JAS DES PAPES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91 LE JAS DES PAPES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CARRE ROUGE NA RED 91 Strawberries, violets, rose petals, and blueberry notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is beautifully balanced, elegant and finesse-driven on the palate. The 2016 is 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah, all destemmed, and it spent 12 months in a mix of older barrels and concrete tanks. Based largely on Syrah (there s 25% Grenache), the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape Carré Rouge is deeply colored and is a bigger, denser, more concentrated wine. Blackberries, smoked herbs, earth, and graphite notes give way to a full-bodied, rich, impressively textured wine that has ripe tannin and good acidity. This is the first vintage for this special cuvée, and it s sourced all from the Les Saumades lieu-dit, which is primarily rolled stone soils. DOMAINE JEAN DEYDIER & FILS DOMAINE JEAN DEYDIER & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Jean Deydier is downright exotic, with lots of cherry, lavender, and floral notes. This medium to full-bodied, vintage, is nicely balanced, and has a great finish. Drink it any time over the coming decade. No website found. rounded, and impressively textured 2016 shows the class and depth of the JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 32

33 DOMAINE JEAN ROYER DOMAINE JEAN ROYER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE JEAN ROYER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SABLES DE LA CRAU NA RED 96 DOMAINE JEAN ROYER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRESTIGE NA RED 93+ DOMAINE JEAN ROYER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE JEAN ROYER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES SABLES DE LA CRAU NA RED DOMAINE JEAN ROYER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRESTIGE NA RED All of these releases from Jean-Marie Royer focus on Grenache sourced from sandy soils. These are always more lightly colored yet perfumed, intense wines that have classic Grenache characters. Deep ruby/purple-colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in as a mix of 90% Grenache and 5% each of Syrah and Cinsault, aged in a mix of barrels, demi-muids and stainless steel. Kirsch, blackberries, ground pepper, and some loamy, earthy notes all emerge from this powerful yet elegant Grenache that has tons of exuberance and personality. It might be too much for some, but it s a beautiful expression of Grenache. Also deeply colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sables de La Crau is 100% Grenache from sandy soils, and it was raised all in demimuids. With a huge nose of blueberries, crushed flowers, cedarwood, and baking spice, it hits the palate with a full-bodied, silky style, no hard edges, beautiful purity of fruit, and a great, great finish. It s one of the most profound wines I ve tasted from this estate. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige is the only wine to include significant portions of Mourvèdre (85% Grenache and 15% Mourvèdre), partially destemmed and aged in a mix of demi-muids, barrels, and concrete tanks. It has a darker, slightly more reserved bouquet of blackberries, peppery herbs, graphite, and scorched earth. It s rich, powerful, concentrated and textured, yet also beautifully balanced and pure, with fine tannin. Give bottles a year or three, and it s going to cruise for a decade. All three of the 2017s showed well. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has classic sweet red fruits, spice, and floral notes, and it s medium to fullbodied, silky and elegant. The blend is 90% Grenache and 5% each of Cinsault and Syrah. More sweet red fruits, blueberries, violets, and awesome floral notes all emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sables de La Crau, which is, as always, 100% Grenache from the sandy portions of the La Crau lieu-dit. This full-bodied, flamboyant, exotic Grenache has tons of upfront appeal, a sexy, seamless texture, and loads of personality, although it appears to lack the density and depth found in the Lastly, lots of black cherries, earth, peppery herbs, and graphite notes emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige. It has more density than the Les Sables de La Crau, is medium to full-bodied, has ripe tannins, and plenty of length. It s another character-filled, expressive wine from Jean Marie Royer. DOMAINE JULIETTE AVRIL DOMAINE JULIETTE AVRIL 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU CUVEE LEANDRE NA RED 88 DOMAINE JULIETTE AVRIL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 The estate has turned out a peppery, darker fruited (there are even some blue fruits) 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Cuvée Léandre. It s medium-bodied, juicy, and ready to go, with lots of Syrah character on both the nose and palate. The blend is 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the balance a mix of other permitted varieties. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is impressive, and unquestionably the finest base cuvée from this estate. Ripe black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and loads of spice give way to a medium to full-bodied, ripe, expansive, forward beauty that s already drinking brilliantly. Made from 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre, drink it anytime over the coming 7-8 years. CHATEAU JUVENAL CHATEAU JUVENAL 2017 VENTOUX LES RIBES DU VALLAT $15 RED CHATEAU JUVENAL 2017 VENTOUX LA TERRE DU PETIT HOMME $25 RED CHATEAU JUVENAL 2017 VACQUEYRAS NA RED CHATEAU JUVENAL 2017 VIN DE FRANCE PERSEIDES $40 RED Asian spices, garrigue, dried flowers, and assorted red fruits all emerge from the 2017 Ventoux Les Ribes du Vallat, which is medium-bodied, elegant and si ky. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, drink this complex, elegant ready to go beauty over the coming 4-5 years. Deeper ruby-colored, the 2017 Ventoux La Terre du Petit Homme (50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre) offers more depth and richness, with terrific dark fruits, sweet spice, and garrigue aromas and flavors. It s medium to full-bodied, silky and elegant, with great balance and purity. A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah brought up in new and once-used demi-muids, the 2017 Vacqueyras has a very pretty, silky, elegant and floral character to go with a medium-bodied, elegant, seamless profile on the palate. Revealing more blackberries, violets, spring flowers, and bay leaf notes with time in the glass, it s certainly going to be an outstanding wine, and I suspect it will be a terrific value. Made from 100% Grenache, the 2017 Vin De France Perseides was brought up all in concrete tank. Assorted dark fruits, kirsch, crushed rocks, and spice notes all flow to a powerful, deep, gorgeous Grenache that has a balanced, exotic, incredibly impressive style. Don t let the Vin de France label fool you, this is the real deal and offers serious amounts of pleasure. DOMAINE L ABBE DINE DOMAINE L ABBE DINE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 94 DOMAINE L ABBE DINE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED 89 DOMAINE L ABBE DINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 DOMAINE L ABBE DINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA RESERVE DES CIEUX NA RED DOMAINE L ABBE DINE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE L ABBE DINE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED DOMAINE L ABBE DINE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED I was blown away by the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, which is largely based on Grenache Blanc with 28% Roussanne (there are smaller percentages of Clairette and Bourboulenc). It s a powerful, full-bodied white geared for the table and has vivid notes of apple fruits, spice, white flowers, and some citrus and steeliness. With great acidity, a stacked mid-palate, and a big finish, it needs a year of bottle age but is a serious white well worth your time and money. Moving to the reds, the estate has produced a fine 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages based on 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, brought up all in tank. It has lots of crunchy dark fruits, licorice, and peppery herbs, and is mediumbodied, concentrated, and balanced on the palate. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is outstanding and has a rich yet elegant profile. Sweet red fruits, dried herbs, garrigue, and pepper all flow to a finessedriven effort that has no hard edges and terrific balance. The blend is 90% Grenache, 8% Syrah, and 2% Mourvèdre, all from the sandy soils of the Les Bédines lieu-dit. Made from 100% Grenache, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Réserve des Cieux is darker colored and has hints of barrique in its cassis, black raspberries, spring flowers, and violet aromas and flavors. Not yet bottled, it has no hard edges, beautiful purity of fruit, and a great, great texture. Starting off the 2017s, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône is solid and certainly looks worth buying. Blackberries, pepper, earth, and sappy garrigue/green herb notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, classic wine that s going to drink nicely on release yet keep for 4-5 years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages from this estate is also impressive. Wild strawberries, black cherries, garrigue, and flower garden notes as well as JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 33

34 some orange blossoms all give way to a medium-bodied, elegant, seamless 2017 that s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. The same blend as the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers darker notes of blackberries and plums intermixed with lots of ground herbs and dried earth. It s fresh and focused, with good depth of fruit and ripe tannins, and should certainly be an outstanding wine. No website found. DOMAINE LAFOND ROC-EPINE DOMAINE LAFOND ROC-EPINE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 89 DOMAINE LAFOND ROC EPINE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 87 DOMAINE LAFOND ROC-EPINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $40 RED 94 The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is a winner and I d happily drink a bottle. Blackberries, ground herbs, Asian spices and some leather notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, supple, incredibly charming Drink it over the coming 3-4 years. This estate has turned out a fresh, fruity 2017 Côtes du Rhône. Wild strawberries, cherries, lavender, and spring flowers notes give way to a medium-bodied, lightly textured, balanced, incredibly charming red that s already hard to resist. Fresh and lively, with notes of black cherries, blackberries, scorched earth, and spice, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is concentrated and fullbodied, with a pure, elegant texture and a big finish. Based on 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, it has present tannin, notable purity of fruit, and is going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for years. DOMAINE DE L ARNESQUE DOMAINE DE L ARNESQUE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 88 DOMAINE DE L ARNESQUE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 Notes of acacia flowers, peach, and some exotic citrus emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc, which is medium-bodied, nicely textured, and elegant on the palate. Made from 80% Roussanne and 20% Grenache Blanc, drink it over the coming year or two. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is classy all the way, with bright black cherries, spice, sharp pepper, and dried flower aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, clean, balanced, and long, it has plenty to love and will be even better with 2-3 years of bottle age. The blend is 80% Grenache and 10% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, brought up all in concrete tank. LAURENS DEBLAERE LAURENS DEBLAERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 90 LAURENS DEBLAERE 2016 COTES DU RHONE LA PETITE FABLE NA RED 92 LAURENS DEBLAERE 2016 CAIRANNE LA CABALETTE NA RED 92 Laurens Deblaere is the head winemaker at the Beaumes de Venise Coop (he previously worked at Chateau de Vaudieu in Châteauneuf-du-Pape), and also produces a bevy of brilliant wines under his own label. A blend of Grenache Blanc and Clairette (there s a small percentage of other varieties), the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc was brought up all in concrete and offers a medium gold color as well as classic notes of tangerines, white peach, and flowers. This medium-bodied, classy, balanced beauty has plenty of density, good freshness, and a great finish. A mix of Mostly Grenache and Mourvèdre with 10% Syrah, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône La Petite Fable spent 12 months in concrete tanks before being bottled. This deep ruby-colored Côtes du Rhône offers loads of black cherry and darker fruits to go with medium to full-bodied richness, excellent purity, and a great finish. The 2016 Cairanne La Cabalette is a bigger, richer wine that has loads of black fruits, violets, and floral aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, with fine tannin and a good finish, it s a ripe, sexy red that has tons of character. CHATEAU LE GRAND RETOUR CHATEAU LE GRAND RETOUR 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU NA RED 88 CHATEAU LE GRAND RETOUR 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU EXCELLENCE NA RED CHATEAU LE GRAND RETOUR 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SAINTE CÉCILE NA RED 88 CHATEAU LE GRAND RETOUR 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 90 Blackberries, leather, peppery herbs, and hints of minerality develop in the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu, which has nice concentration and good acidity as well as some tannic grip. It s a rock-solid, impressive Côtes du Rhône. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Excellence is inkier colored and more modern, with some barrique in its black raspberries, cassis, and crushed pepper aromas and flavors. With some floral nuanced, medium to full body, good acidity, and some oak to integrate, it will benefit from a year or so in bottle and keep for 5-7 years. More classically styled, with plenty of spiced red and black fruits, garrigue, and earth, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Sainte Cécile is another medium-bodied, balanced, incred bly satisfying CDR from this estate. The inky colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (60% Grenache, 37% Mourvèdre, and the balance Syrah) shows the power and richness of this vintage front and center and packs tons of black and blue fruits, peppery herbs, graphite, and earthy aromas and flavors. Thick, rich, and powerful, it lacks some elegance yet makes up for it in fruit and texture. Drink it anytime over the coming decade. chateaulegrandretour.com DOMAINE DE L ECHEVIN DOMAINE DE L ECHEVIN 2017 COTES-DU-VILLAGES SAINT MAURICE GUILLAUME DE ROUVILLE NA WHITE 94 DOMAINE DE L ECHEVIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SAINT MAURICE NA RED 91 DOMAINE DE L ECHEVIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SAINT MAURICE GUILLAUME DE ROUVILLE NA RED 93 I always love the white from this estate, but the 2017 Côtes-du-Villages Saint Maurice Guillaume de Rouville is certainly on another level. Based largely on Grenache Blanc, with smaller amounts of Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne, it offers a beautiful honeyed minerality as well as layered notes of white peach, white flowers, and citrus. It s ripe, medium to full-bodied, and textured yet stays pure and beautifully balanced. It s a fabulous wine. Moving to the reds, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Maurice is a larger production release, and it s more rounded, forward, and charming compared to the more serious Guillaume de Rouville release. Peppery herbs, blackberries, black raspberries and garrigue notes all flow to a mediumbodied, nicely concentrated, and incred bly satisfying 2016 that will keep for 4-5 years. The blend is 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache brought up in older barrels. Beautifully rich and sexy, with loads of blackberries, black cherries, peppery herbs, bacon fat, and spring flowers, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Saint Maurice Guillaume de Rouville is the flagship cuvée and is 95% Syrah and 5% Grenache that s brought up mostly in once-used Burgundy and Bordeaux barrels. Full-bodied, deep and layered on the palate, with tons of character, it s one of the finest Syrah-based cuvées coming out of the Southern Rhône. LES CAILLOUX (LUCIEN ET ANDRE BRUNEL) ANDRE BRUNEL 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SABRINE NA RED 90 LES CAILLOUX (LUCIEN ET ANDRE BRUNEL) 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 94 LES CAILLOUX (LUCIEN ET ANDRE BRUNEL) 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE CENTENAIRE NA RED 97 Andre Brunel has always been one of the benchmark vignerons of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and for decades now has produced an incred bly Provençal, elegant, and age-worthy style of wine. His 2016s are very much in that style and show terrific aromatics as well as balanced, seamless profiles on the palate. I always love this cuvée, and the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Sabrine is JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 34

35 a beauty. Offering charming, forward, fleshy notes of black cherries, raspberries, candied violets and garrigue, it s medium-bodied, has plenty of density and richness, and outstanding length. It s ideal for drinking over the coming 3-5 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a classic wine from this heralded estate. Kirsch, crushed flowers, spice, and hints of peppery garrigue all flow to a full-bodied, balanced, seamless 2016 that has polished tannin, a seamless texture, and no hard edges. It s going to evolve gracefully for years. The 2016 is a normal blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Syrah and Cinsault that was partially destemmed and brought up mostly in concrete. Don t miss this beauty. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire comes exclusively from the northern part of the Farguerol lieu-dit and is just about 100% Grenache that was partially destemmed and brought up in concrete (70%) and demi-muids (30%). It s a thrilling wine that s behind the otherworldly 1990 and 1998 but is in the same league as the 2007 and With a massive bouquet of kirsch liqueur, crushed flowers, violets, and honeysuckle, it has full body, no hard edges, beautiful purity of fruit, ripe, polished tannin, and a great finish. LES VINS SKALLI LES VINS SKALLI 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BOUACHON DEDICATION $46 RED 92+ LES VINS SKALLI 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BOUACHON DEDICATION NA RED Blackberries, blueberries, garrigue and peppery herbs all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Bouachon Dédication. It s full-bodied, rich, and dense, with a fleshy, open-knit texture. Possessing beautiful purity of fruit and plenty of heft, it s going to gain some elegance with short-term cellaring and keep for years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Bouachon Dédication isn t far behind and is a medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced barrel sample that has some ripe black and blue fruits, violets, and damp underbrush aromas and flavors. It has terrific purity and should easily be an outstanding wine. No website found. DOMAINE DE L HARMAS DOMAINE DE L HARMAS 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 86 DOMAINE DE L HARMAS 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED 89 DOMAINE DE L HARMAS 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DE L HARMAS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89 DOMAINE DE L HARMAS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CAPRICE DE MATHYS NA RED 91+ DOMAINE DE L HARMAS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE DE FELICIEN NA RED 93+ The straightforward 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc (75% Viognier and 25% Grenache Blanc) is a charming, richer white that has enjoyable notes of apple blossoms, buttered citrus, and hints of flowers. Drink it over the coming year. Looking at the two Côtes du Rhône reds, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages (70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre) is more medium ruby colored and has a sexy, flamboyant style in its kirsch and berry fruits, spice, and garrigue-scented aromas and flavors. It s medium to fullbodied and a rock-solid wine. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah from a variety of terroirs that was raised all in concrete tanks. It offers darker fruits and more peppery herbs, medium body, and a charming, rounded, nicely balanced style that s ideal for near-term drinking. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre that was brought up all in concrete tanks. This wine comes from two sites, Les Brusquières and Palestor, and was completely destemmed. Ripe black cherries, garrigue, earth, and some olive tapenade notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, elegant, nicely balanced 2016 that s already a joy to drink. A unique wine made from 100% Mourvèdre, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Caprice de Mathys comes all from the Palestor lieu-dit (this is mostly rolled stone terroir) and was destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks. Its deep purple color is followed by impressive amounts of blackberry and black cherry fruit, notes of graphite and new saddle leather, medium to fullbodied richness, and a tight, straight, pure texture. I suspect this beauty will shut down rather quickly, so try a bottle in the short-term or hold off for 5-6 years or so. It has tons of potential. The gem in the lineup is the 100% Grenache 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve de Félicien, which comes all from the rocky soils of the Les Brusquières lieu-dit. It was destemmed and is the only wine from this estate to be brought up in demi-muids. Slightly closed aromatically, with dark fruits, smoked herbs, and lavender as well as some subtle meatiness, this puppy hits the palate with full-bodied richness, tons of power and depth, ripe tannins, and a big finish. It s a smoking good wine but needs 2-4 years of bottle age. domainedelharmas.com DOMAINE L OR DE LINE DOMAINE L OR DE LINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $35 RED 89 DOMAINE L OR DE LINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PAULE COURTIL $45 RED 95 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is an earthy, meaty, dried red fruited effort that s medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, and enjoyable. A blend of 30% each of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, with 10% Clairette Rosé, aged in stainless steel, drink this workhorse styled effort over the coming 7-8 years. A big step up over the base cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Paule Courtil is 80% Grenache and the rest a mix of permitted varieties, all from the Galimardes and Palestor lieux-dits and very old vines, that spent 18 months all in older barrels. It s a classic, beautifully layered, finesse-driven effort that has textbook notes of garrigue, new saddle leather, spice, and assorted red and black fruits. With a layered, seamless texture, stunning purity of fruit, and an underlying elegance that keeps you coming back to the glass, it s going to drink brilliantly for years. As with a number of these 2016s, this is the finest wine made from this estate. DOMAINE LOU DEVET DOMAINE LOU DEVET 2017 COTES DU RHONE PURIFICACION NA WHITE 88 DOMAINE LOU DEVET 2016 COTES DU RHONE JULIA NA RED 88 DOMAINE LOU DEVET 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES MISTRAL NA RED 89 DOMAINE LOU DEVET 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE LOU DEVET 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FRANCOIS LOUIS NA RED DOMAINE LOU DEVET 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE LOU DEVET 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FRANCOIS LOUIS NA RED I don t always get to taste the wines from this family-run estate, but they ve apparently hit home runs with these 2016s. Nothing is in bottle yet, but these are brilliant looking barrel samples. Lots of citrus, mints, and salinity emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Purificacion, which picks up a subtle nuttiness with time in the glass. Based on 100% Viognier brought up in tank, it s an interesting, nicely textured white to drink in its youth. Spice, mint, candied lavender, and assorted red and blue fruits emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Julia. Medium-bodied, elegant and nicely balanced on the palate, with a certain exotic style, it s another fine red from this team that will keep for 4-5 years. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Mistral is more classic in style, with peppery herbs, sweet red fruits, medium body, nicely integrated acidity, and a balanced, incred bly drinkable style. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Black raspberries, toasted spice, dried flowers, and garrigue notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is a blend of 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre that s still aging in older barrels. It s ripe, sexy, brilliantly balanced, and long, and certainly one promising barrel sample. Drink it over the coming decade or more. Also not yet bottled, the inky colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape François Louis gives up an opulent, heady style in its incense, kirsch liqueur, dried flowers, and spice aromas and flavors. It s rich, powerful and full-bodied on the palate, with a great finish. The blend is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre that will spend two years in a mix of 10% new barrels, 30% JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 35

36 old barrels, and the balance in concrete tanks. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is cut from the same cloth as the 2016 and has lots of sweet fruit and classic garrigue as well as some subtle oaky notes. It s ripe, medium to full-bodied, fleshy and charming, which is very much in the style of the vintage. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape François Louis also has some oak overtones yet has classic dark fruits, peppery herbs, and spice. With beautiful purity, a concentrated, deep, rich palate profile, and a great finish, it s another seriously good wine from this estate, which seems to be on another level with these recent vintages. DOMAINE LOU FREJAU DOMAINE LOU FREJAU 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 86 DOMAINE LOU FREJAU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED? DOMAINE LOU FREJAU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is an enjoyable and charming wine, although nothing to write home about. It has old school notes of leather and pepper, some garrigue notes, medium body, and a good finish. I found the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape to be very ripe, unevolved, structured, tannic, and just about imposs ble to figure out. Give bottles a few years, at which point it should be easier to read. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is easier to read and has an old-school, classic v be as well as lots of peppery herbs, garrigue, leather, and spice. It s structured and tannic on the palate yet has good depth of fruit and should be a very good wine. DOMAINE LUCIEN BARROT ET FILS DOMAINE LUCIEN BARROT ET FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE LUCIEN BARROT ET FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is solid, with a classic, traditional bouquet of crunchy red fruits, Asian spices, and garrigue. It has good acidity, medium body, moderate tannins, and a good finish. Give it a few years to let the tannins chill out. It should appeal to both modernist and traditionalist. The blend is 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is cut from the same mold yet shows the more charming, medium-bodied style of the vintage. Garrigue, sandalwood, lots of red fruits, sweet tannins, and a layered texture all point to an outstanding bottle of wine. DOMAINE MABY DOMAINE MABY 2017 LIRAC LA FERMADE BLANC $18 WHITE 89 DOMAINE MABY 2017 LIRAC CASTA DIVA BLANC $33 WHITE 91 DOMAINE MABY 2017 TAVEL PRIMA DONNA ROSE $18 ROSE 89 DOMAINE MABY 2017 TAVEL LIBIAMO $28 ROSE DOMAINE MABY 2017 LIRAC BEL CANTO $35 RED DOMAINE MABY 2017 LIRAC NESSUN DORMA $33 RED DOMAINE MABY 2017 LIRAC LA FERMADE $20 RED This Lirac-based estate produces a number of whites, rosés, and reds. Unfortunately, no 2016s were submitted. A blend of 43% Clairette, 39% Grenache Blanc and the rest Picpoul, the 2017 Lirac La Fermade Blanc is a high-quality white that has classic notes of tropical fruits, citrus, and flowers. It s clean, nicely balanced, has good acidity, and a clean finish. It develops a touch of minerality with time in the glass and will be versatile on the dinner table. A step up over the La Fermade, the 2017 Lirac Casta Diva Blanc is mostly Clairette yet includes 32% Viognier, all of which was brought up in new barrels. Ripe white peach, orange marmalade, and spice notes all give way to a rich, medium-bodied, concentrated white that has good acidity, notable purity, and a great finish. This beauty delivers the goods. The 2017 Tavel Prima Donna Rosé has plenty of heft and richness yet is also fresh and lively. Cherries, orange blossom, and strawberry notes all emerge from this balanced, classic, elegant Tavel that will keep for 6-12 months. Brought up in new demi-muids, the 2017 Tavel Libiamo is slightly more salmon colored and gives up lots of spice, orange blossom, and minerality on the nose. Possessing more richness and texture, good balance, and a clean, classy style on the palate, it s a serious, food-driven rosé to enjoy over the coming year or so. Moving to the reds, the 2017 Lirac Bel Canto offers outstanding notes of cassis, strawberries, exotic flowers, and garrigue. This sexy, rounded, fullbodied effort shows the sunny style of the vintage nicely and will be a pleasurebent beauty to drink on release and over the following 5-7 years. Lots of cassis, violet, bay leaf, and sharp pepper notes dominate the bouquet of the 2017 Lirac Nessun Dorma. Based on equal parts Grenache and Syrah, with the Grenache brought up in tank and the Syrah in once-used barrels, it s a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, dense effort that s showing lots of Syrah character. It s going to be capable of lasting for 7-8 years or more. The 2017 Lirac La Fermade is a fresh, upfront charmer that has impressive black and blue fruits, peppery herbs, and violet notes as well as a hint of graphite with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, nicely balanced, and with outstanding purity of fruit, it s going to be a rock-solid purchase that will keep for 4-5 years. MAISON FCV MAISON FCV 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHARLES DE L ARNESQUE BLANC $27 WHITE 90 MAISON FCV 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE MANON DE L ARNESQUE $30 RED 92 The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Charles de L Arnesque Blanc (70/30 Grenache Blanc and Roussanne) is a refreshing, elegant, and lively white that has classic white peach, apple blossom and floral aromas and flavors. It picks up a distinct salinity on the finish, has good acidity, and a great finish, and I suspect it will drink well for at least 4-5 years. The Grenache-dominated 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Manon de L Arnesque is a classic, almost old-school styled effort that shows plenty of peppery stems in its darker fruits, garrigue, licorice, and violet aromas and flavors. With medium to full body, beautiful density, and the purity of fruit and lusciousness that makes this vintage so special, it s a beauty that s going to drink brilliantly for years. No website found. DOMAINE LA MANARINE DOMAINE LA MANARINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91 DOMAINE LA MANARINE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGE PLAN DE DIEU LES TERRES SAINTES NA RED 88+ Made from 100% Grenache from the Cabrieres and Pied de Baud lieuxdits, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a fresh, complex, nuanced style as well as a great perfume of sweet red fruits, rose petals, pinewood, and spice. It s elegant, medium-bodied, beautifully textured, and vibrant, and is only going to get more complex with cellaring. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Village Plan de Dieu Les Terres Saintes is solid, with a touch of reduction in its big, beefy aromas and flavors. It s medium to fullbodied, has some solid oomph, present tannin, and a big finish. No website found. CHATEAU DE MANISSY CHATEAU DE MANISSY 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE TRINITE $60 RED I was only able to taste the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Trinite from Manissy, and it s certainly a promising looking barrel sample from what s looking like a terrific vintage. Ripe blackberries, black cherries, leafy herbs, and a hint of dam rocks all emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort that has terrific elegance and purity. This cuvée is 100% Grenache, all from the limestone soils of the Terres Blanches lieu-dit, that was partially destemmed and is still aging mostly in concrete tanks (20% is in demimuids). JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 36

37 DOMAINE DES MARAVILHAS DOMAINE DES MARAVILHAS 2016 LAUDUN MAESTRAL BLANC NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE DES MARAVILHAS 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LAUDUN MAESTRAL NA RED 88 DOMAINE DES MARAVILHAS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ESPIRITO NA RED 89+ DOMAINE DES MARAVILHAS 2017 LAUDUN MAESTRAL NA RED 87 DOMAINE DES MARAVILHAS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ESPIRITO NA RED The 2016 Laudun Maestral Blanc is a medium-bodied, textured, and certainly delicious white that has a spicy, dried earth, dried orange peel, and mineral-driven style. It s balanced, easy-drinking, and ready to go. Their 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Maestral is an interesting blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Mourvèdre and the balance Syrah, brought up all in concrete tanks. It s a medium-bodied, rounded, undeniably flamboyant 2016 that has lots of ripe plum, bay leaf, violets, and menthol aromatics. Drink up. A wine that has some upside, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Espirito (100% Syrah) offers lots of red and black fruits as well as classic Syrah pepper, saddle leather and spice. It has good acidity, some old-school charm, and ripe, present tannins. It will keep for years. Blackberries, new saddle leather, Provençal herbs, and peppery notes all emerge from the 2017 Laudun Maestral. It s incredibly Provençal, charming, yet has some dry tannin, so drink it with food. In the same mold as the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Espirito (100% Syrah) offers lots of meaty black fruits, saddle leather, pepper, black olives, and smoky aromatics, medium to full body, good concentration and ripe tannins. While Syrahs from the Southern Rhône were often flabby, overripe and uninteresting in the past, we re seeing more and more quality effort today, even in these warmer vintages. My money is on this being due to better winemaking and more temperature-controlled cellars. DOMAINE DE MARCOUX DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 95 DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA RED 95 DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 91 DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2016 LIRAC LORENTINE NA RED 92 DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 95 DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 99 DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2017 LIRAC LORENTINE NA RED DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE DE MARCOUX 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED Brilliant wines emerge from this estate located in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape which is run with incredible talent and passion by Sophie Armenier. They produce a terrific Côtes du Rhône and Lirac as well as the top Châteauneuf-du-Papes, and their white is increasingly up with the crème de la crème of the vintage. One of the finest whites I ve tasted from this estate is the 2017 Châteauneufdu-Pape Blanc, which is two-thirds Roussanne and one-third Bourboulenc that has malo blocked and is raised in neutral demi-muids and tank. Full-bodied, rich, beautifully textured, and perfectly balanced, it has everything in the right places and just glides over the palate. Giving up plenty of white fruits, brioche, honeysuckle, and some buttered citrus notes, it s a brilliant effort and well worth seeking out. Richer than the 2017, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc comes from a vintage described as extraordinary by Sophie Armenier, who compared it to The same two-thirds Roussanne and one-third Bourboulenc brought up in demi-muids and tank, this beauty reminds me of a top Hermitage Blanc with its building minerality and rock star nose of buttered citrus, honeycomb, spice, and flowers. Deep, rich, and opulent, with full body, it nevertheless has terrific acidity and stays balanced, pure, and v brant on the palate. Bottled in July of last year, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône sports a medium ruby/purple color as well as a classic bouquet of cherries, strawberries, spice, and dried flowers. It s elegant, medium-bodied, seamless, and undeniably delicious. Buy a case. Bottled in January of this year, the 2016 Lirac Lorentine (similar blend and élevage to the 2017) offers a beautiful Mourvèdre nose of blackberries, black raspberries, graphite, white flowers, and spice. Like all of Sophie s wines, it s elegant, seamless and pure, with no hard edges, impressive tannin quality, and a beautiful finish. Bottled in March, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (80% Grenache) was brought up in a mix of concrete (mostly) and foudre. It gives up sensational notes of kirsch liqueur, white flowers, graphite, candle wax, and spice. This rich, full-bodied, yet seamless Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a powerful, balanced style that s going to keep for years. It s a gorgeous wine. Bottled end of March (like the traditional cuvée), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Vieilles Vignes comes from just two terroirs Charbonnière and Esquierons since they no longer use grapes from Galimardes, as it was recently replanted due to disease. The wine was completely destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks. This rocking effort is still a baby in terms of evolution but still gives up a huge bouquet of kirsch, strawberries Asian spices, candle wax, white flowers, and graphite. Deep, rich, and powerful, yet with the hallmark elegance of the estate, it has fine tannin, an awesome mid-palate, incredible purity and a huge finish. It s another great, great vintage for this cuvée that readers shouldn t miss. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône comes from parcels in the northern part of the appellation, one right by the estate and another by Charvin, and is brought up all in tank. It s always one of the smart buys in just about every vintage, and the 2017 looks to be another outstanding wine. Strawberries, flowers, raspberries, and dried spice characteristics all emerge from this incredibly elegant, mediumbodied, finesse-driven effort that s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. A blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 40% Syrah and the rest Grenache, the 2017 Lirac Lorentine sports a deeper ruby/purple color to go with lots of black cherries, black raspberries, crushed rock, and peppery spice aromas and flavors. It s rich, medium-bodied, and nicely concentrated, and has a ripe, rounded, balanced style. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in as 77% Grenache, 11% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It has a solid mix of red and black fruits as well as classic floral, spice, and candle wax notes. With medium to full-bodied richness, beautiful purity and elegance, ripe, silky tannin, and a great finish, it s unquestionably a beautiful wine. One of the finest barrel samples I was able to taste was the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, which, like the 2016, comes exclusively from the Charbonnière and Esquierons lieux-dits and is almost all very old vine Grenache. This full-bodied, incredibly seamless, flamboyant Grenache boasts sensational aromatics (framboise, strawberries, exotic flowers), beautiful purity of fruit, sweet tannins, and truly sensational length. I don t think it s going to match the 2016, but it s certainly not far off. MAS DE BOISLAUZON MAS DE BOISLAUZON 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED 90 MAS DE BOISLAUZON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 94 MAS DE BOISLAUZON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE QUET NA RED 98 MAS DE BOISLAUZON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TINTOT NA RED 96+ MAS DE BOISLAUZON 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED MAS DE BOISLAUZON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED MAS DE BOISLAUZON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TINTOT NA RED Readers looking for a good introduction into the style of the 2016 vintage should check out the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages from this great estate. Based on 60% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah and other varieties, it gives up a great perfume of blackberries, toasted spices, smoked earth, and licorice. It s ripe, mouthfilling, and pleasure bent. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 37

38 The base cuvée from this estate always delivers, and the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is no exception. Based on a 70/30 split of Grenache and Mourvèdre, it boasts a deep purple color as well as a rocking nose of blackberries, blackcurrants, toasted spices, and peppered meats. This puppy is jam-packed with fruit, is full-bodied, has ripe tannin, and is just a smoking good Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Similarly colored to the classic cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Quet is 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre. It offers a huge, rich, powerful style that never goes over the top and stays balanced and graceful. Currants, toasted spices, caramelized beef, and exotic notes all flow to a massively textured, powerhouse of a wine that has a stacked mid-palate, a bombastic personality, and a great finish. It needs two to three years of bottle age but is an incred ble, heady, powerful wine. Similar to Beaucastel s top cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tintot is a Mourvèdre-dominated (there s 15% Grenache) behemoth that s going to require bottle age. Cured meats, toasted spice, graphite, and leafy herbs all flow to a thick, rich, powerful wine that has building tannins and a great, great finish. I suspect this puppy will shut down quickly, so try a bottle (or two) in the short-term and hide the rest for a good 4-6 years. This cuvée comes all from the Boislauzon lieu-dit, was completely destemmed and brought up all in older barrels. Not yet bottled, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages has just about more depth and richness than any other Côtes du Rhône out there. Blackberries, peppery herbs, ground pepper, and Asian spice notes all flow to a fullbodied Côtes du Rhône that has terrific mid-palate depth, ripe tannin, and a big finish. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a big, rich, mouthfilling entry-level cuvée that has more density and depth than most. Offering a dense, concentrated style as well as notes of blackberries, toasted spice, graphite, and licorice, it has a touch of rusticity that s common from this estate, yet certainly packs a wealth of fruit. The blend is equal parts Grenache and Mourvèdre raised mostly in concrete tanks. A bigger, richer, more substantial wine, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tintot is inky colored and massively concentrated, with awesome notes of blueberries, scorched earth, graphite, and charred meats. It s a big, powerful wine yet has terrific mid-palate depth, silky tannins, and a huge finish. The blend at this point is 90% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache brought up all in concrete. MAS DE LA GRANGE BLANCHE MAS DE LA GRANGE BLANCHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA FONT DE BESSOUNNES NA RED 91 MAS DE LA GRANGE BLANCHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA FONT DE BESSOUNNES NA RED Perfumed notes of blueberries, candied cherries, rose petals and hints of violets all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Font de Bessounnes, which is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Medium to full-bodied, fresh, and elegant, it s an impressive wine that s going to drink well for years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Font de Bessounnes is a similar blend (there s slightly less Grenache) and offers impressive purity and depth, medium to full body, fine tannins, and solid notes of ripe black and blue fruits and Asian spices. Both the 2016 and 2017 are superior to any wine I ve tasted from this estate. MAS DES BRESSADES MAS DES BRESSADES 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES CUVEE EXCELLENCE BLANC NA WHITE 90 MAS DES BRESSADES 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES CUVEE TRADITION NA RED 90 MAS DES BRESSADES 2015 COSTIERES DE NIMES LES VIGNES DE MON PERE CABERNET SYRAH NA RED 92 The 2016 Costières de Nimes Cuvée Excellence Blanc is a terrific blend of Roussanne and Viognier that has a crisp yet rich style in its stone fruits, white flowers, brioche, and citrus aromas and flavors. It needs air to show at its best but is medium-bodied, has integrated acidity, and a great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming year or three. The classic cuvée from this estate is a winner in just about every vintage. Based on equal parts Grenache and Syrah, the 2016 Cuvée Tradition offers a forward, charming, pleasure-bent profile as well as notes of ripe blackberries, black cherries, ground pepper, and dried earth. Medium to full-bodied, light on its feet and just incredibly drinkable, with no hard edges and moderate acidity, it s well worth a case purchase and will keep for 5-6 years. This is the finest Traditional cuvée I ve tasted from this estate. Made from 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Syrah, the 2015 Costières de Nimes Les Vignes de Mon Pere Cabernet Syrah is also a sensational wine. While it shows plenty of Syrah character right on opening, it picks up more and more Cabernet Sauvignon notes with air time. Blackcurrants, lead pencil, cedar, peppery herbs, and some meatiness all flow to a rich, concentrated 2015 that has a terrific midpalate, building, sweet tannin, and a great finish. It needs air to show at its best but is going to evolve gracefully for a decade. MAS DES VOLQUES MAS DES VOLQUES 2017 DUCHE D UZES ALBA DOLIA BLANC $15 WHITE 90 MAS DES VOLQUES 2017 DUCHE D UZES ESUS $10 RED MAS DES VOLQUES 2017 DUCHE D UZES VOLCAE $15 RED While I wasn t able to taste any 2016s from this estate, the 2017 are solid wines, as well as terrific values. The young Nicolas Souchon has turned out a beautiful 2017 Duché D Uzès Alba Dolia Blanc. It offers an exotic, perfumed, yet elegant profile as well as notes of white peach, pineapple, orange blossom and tropical flowers. It s beautifully balanced and well worth seeking out. The blend is 50% Viognier, 30% Grenache Blanc, 15% Roussanne and the rest Clairette. The classic cuvée and a blend of 45% Syrah, 30% Grenache and the rest Cinsault and Carignan, the 2017 Duché D Uzès Esus gives up forward, charming notes of sweet black cherries, red plums, garrigue, and peppery spice. It s soft, forward, and undeniably delicious. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years. Deeper colored, the 2017 Duché D Uzès Volcae is close to an even split of Grenache and Syrah, with roughly 25% Carignan. It offers more black fruits, chocolate, garrigue, and scorched earth and is full-bodied, sexy, and mouthfilling on the palate, with sweet tannin. It s a big, rich, powerful wine that has impressive elegance and purity. MAS SAINT LOUIS MAS SAINT LOUIS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 88 MAS SAINT LOUIS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89+ MAS SAINT LOUIS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRANDE RESERVE NA RED 97 MAS SAINT LOUIS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES ARPENTS DES CONTREBANDIERS NA RED 94 The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is an even split of Grenache Blanc and Roussanne that was brought up in a mix of stainless steel and old barrels. This rich, full-bodied, powerful white offers hefty notes of buttered peach, pear, and pineapple. It has good acidity and should drink well for 2-3 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a classic effort and offers plenty of dark fruits, peppery herbs, and damp earth-like aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, yet tight, backward and closed on the palate, give it 2-3 years and it should drink well for a decade. The finest wine I ve ever tasted from Mas Saint Louis, and I suspect the best ever made, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grande Réserve (80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre) got more than a few Wows! in the notes and is locked and loaded with meaty dark fruits, pepper, Peking duck, and Asian spice-like aromas and flavors. Partially destemmed and brought up all in demi-muids, it shows a classic, old-school style (no doubt due to the stems), full body, a heavenly, powerful, yet elegant texture, and a great finish. Bravo! The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Arpents des Contrebandiers is another superstar from this estate and is 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault, all of which was partially destemmed and aged in equal parts demi-muids and concrete tanks. Darker berry fruits, acacia flowers, lavender, and lots of savory, spicy notes flow to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully balanced 2016 that has sweet tannins as well as tons of personality. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 38

39 MATHILDE CHAPOUTIER MATHILDE CHAPOUTIER 2017 DUCHE D UZES BLANC $17 WHITE 91 MATHILDE CHAPOUTIER 2017 DUCHE D UZES ROSE $17 ROSE 88 MATHILDE CHAPOUTIER 2017 COTES DE PROVENCE GRAND FERRAGES ROSE $20 ROSE 91 MATHILDE CHAPOUTIER 2017 DUCHE D UZES $17 RED 90 MATHILDE CHAPOUTIER 2017 LANGUEDOC $14 RED 92 The daughter of Michel Chapoutier, Mathilde Chapoutier continues to make a name for herself with these terrific wines released under her own label. Racy tangerine, citrus, and salty minerality all emerge from the 2017 Duché D Uzès Blanc. Clean, crisp, and beautifully balanced on the palate, it s going to be hard to beat as a house white. The blend is Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc, raised all in tank, and it should keep for a year or so. The 2017 Duché D Uzès Rosé offers vibrant strawberry and cherry notes, juicy acidity, medium body, and a balanced, classic style. Drink it over the coming summer months. The 2017 Côtes de Provence Grand Ferrages Rosé is a solid step up over the Duché D Uzès release and has fabulous, racy notes of orange blossoms, citrus, salty minerality, and spice. With good acidity, plenty of texture, and a chiseled style on the palate, it s outstanding stuff to enjoy over the coming 6 months or so. A mix of Syrah and Grenache, the 2017 Duché D Uzès sports a medium ruby/purple color to go with a peppery, juicy, upfront beauty that has tons of fruits, plenty of complex pepper and garrigue nuances, no hard edges, and a silky, charming style. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years. From vines north of Pézenas and all from schist soils, the 2017 Languedoc boasts smoking good notes of black olives, blackberries, peppery herbs, and underbrush. It s rich, concentrated, supple, and beautifully pure on the palate, and at 14 bucks, has to be one of the best values in wine out there. Made from equal parts Syrah and Grenache brought up in concrete tanks, it should drink brilliantly for 2-4 years. mathildeprovence.com CHATEAU MAUCOIL CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES BLANC NA WHITE 88 CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED 88 CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES 1895 NA RED 90 CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $39 RED 91 CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ESPRIT $100 RED 95 CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRIVILEGE $50 RED 93 CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES NA RED 88 CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES 1895 NA RED CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $39 RED CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRIVILEGE NA RED CHATEAU MAUCOIL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ESPRIT DE MAUCOIL NA RED The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Blanc is a medium-bodied, fresh, impeccably balanced white that has a touch of exotic character in its orange blossom, peach and citrus. It leans towards the fresh, crisp end of the spectrum and will be versatile on the dinner table. Olive, pepper and leafy herbs all emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages, which is classic, medium-bodied, nicely balanced, and delicious. Drink it over the coming couple of years. A smaller production cuvée, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages 1895 offers more new saddle leather, spice box, and some wood spice as well as terrific purity, medium body, and a great finish. Tight and fresh, it s going to be even better with a year in bottle. I loved the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and elegant, with classic notes of garrigue, lavender, black cherries, and olive tapenade, it hits all the right notes, and while already complex and approachable today, will certainly keep for a decade. The smallest production cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Esprit, a blend of 50% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of Clairette, Cinsault, and other permitted varieties. Rocking notes of currants, kirsch, dried earth, and tons of garrigue all flow to a full-bodied, ripe, rounded, incredibly textured red that has sweet tannin and a big finish. It s the finest wine I ve tasted from this estate and well worth seeking out. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Privilège is another wild mix of mostly Grenache (50%) blended with smaller amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Clairette, Bourboulenc and other varieties. Brought up in 30% new barrels, it offers a ripe, sexy, modern-tinged style in its kirsch and blackberry fruits, toasted spices, and graphite aromas and flavors. It s ripe, full-bodied, and silky on the palate, with beautiful balance. It s another terrific wine from this estate. Moving to the 2017s and tasted out of bottle, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages is another solid wine from this estate. Blackberries, tobacco leaf, earth, and some underbrush notes all give way to a medium-bodied, rounded, charming, nicely textured 2017 that s going to drink well for 6-7 years. Not yet bottled, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages 1895 is a beauty! Deeply colored, concentrated, full-bodied and layered, it has a modern style but terrific purity and depth of fruit. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault) has outstanding potential but is going to check in behind the Offering lots of black fruits, smoked herbs, garrigue, and some obvious minerality, it s medium to full-bodied, has notable purity of fruit, and a classic, balanced style that s going to allow it to drink nicely right out of the gate yet also age gracefully. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Privilège also leans towards the darker fruited end of the spectrum and has plenty of ripe black cherry fruits, smoked herbs, licorice, and earthy aromas and flavors. It s medium to full-bodied, concentrated yet also fresh, with a classic, old-school v be. The top wine from Maucoil in 2017 is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Esprit de Maucoil. It s more concentrated and structured, with serious black fruits, scorched earth and graphite aromas, full body, building tannins, and a big kick of minerality on the finish. It s certainly going to be an outstanding wine, and I suspect short-term cellaring will be the name of the game. VIGNOBLES MAYARD VIGNOBLES MAYARD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CLOS DU CALVAIRE NA RED 92 VIGNOBLES MAYARD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE ALEX NA RED 94+ VIGNOBLES MAYARD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DOMAINE DU PERE PAPE NA RED 92 VIGNOBLES MAYARD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CRAU DE MA MERE NA RED 93+ VIGNOBLES MAYARD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CLOS DU CALVAIRE NA RED VIGNOBLES MAYARD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE DOMAINE DU PERE PAPE NA RED VIGNOBLES MAYARD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE ALEX NA RED VIGNOBLES MAYARD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA CRAU DE MA MERE NA RED The young vine cuvée from this terrific estate located in the southern part of the appellation is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Calvaire, a ripe, incred bly sexy, and seamless red that does everything right in Kirsch, peppery spice, garrigue, and dried earth notes all flow to a full-bodied, beautifully balanced wine that has no hard edges and an approachable, delicious style. I always find this cuvée to be the most approachable in the lineup yet this 2016 will keep for upwards of a decade. The blend is 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and the rest Mourvèdre, all aged in concrete. Based on 65% Grenache, 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and 5% Cinsault, brought up in foudre, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Alex is deep, richer, and more concentrated as well as age-worthy. Tons of JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 39

40 blackberries, peppery herbs, graphite and a distinct minerality all emerge from this medium to full-bodied effort that s tight, backward, and closed on the palate. Give it 2-4 years, and it s going to shine for a decade. Coming all from the southern part of the appellation, the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape Domaine du Père Pape is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault, all aged 18 months in foudre. Its deep ruby color is followed by a dense, concentrated wine that has plenty of black fruits, chocolate, scorched earth, and graphite. Full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced, it will be long-lived. The flagship is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau de Ma Mère. It s from old vines planted in La Crau and is mostly Grenache aged all in foudre. Plums, blackberries, crushed rocks, peppery herbs and licorice notes all emerge from this ripe, sexy, powerful red. It s a little rough around the edges today, so give it a year or three in bottle, but it s a beautiful wine. Leading off the 2017s, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Calvaire offers a charming, fleshy and sweetly fruited style as well as medium body, notes of framboise, flowers, and garrigue, sweet tannins, and a good finish. It s a total charmer that s going to shine right out of the gate. Coming from vines in the southern part of the appellation and 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre, and Cinsault, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Domaine du Père Pape shows a darker slant with lots of black and blue fruits, damp rock-l ke minerality, and peppery herbs. It has a great mid-palate, medium to full body, and a straight, focused, classic style. It s a winner. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Alex is slightly more classic in style and is beautifully balanced. A blend of 65% Grenache, 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault, it gives up lots of black raspberries, blackberries, toasted spice, and peppery herbs to go with a deep, medium to full-bodied, textured style on the palate. Count me in as a fan of this textbook Châteauneuf-du-Pape that will have years of prime drinking. Also brilliant, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Crau de Ma Mère comes all from very old vines in the La Crau lieu-dit and is brought up all in foudre. It s another textbook, classic wine from Francoise Roumieux that has tons to love. Black raspberries, black cherries, Asian spices, hints of seaweed, and loads of pepper all flow to a full-bodied, fleshy, beautifully textured 2017 that has the fruit to drink well in its youth and the structure to keep for 15+ years. DOMAINE DE LA MEREUILLE DOMAINE DE LA MEREUILLE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 DOMAINE DE LA MEREUILLE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89 DOMAINE DE LA MEREUILLE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES BAPTAURELS NA RED 91 DOMAINE DE LA MEREUILLE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE DE LA MEREUILLE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TRADITION NA RED The light gold colored 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc gives up quality notes of white peaches, crushed citrus, and honeyed minerality. It s mediumbodied, sweetly fruited, has bright acidity, and a great finish. Cassis, blueberries, and peppery herbs with hints of new leather all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It s medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, has present tannin, and good acidity. Made from 70% Grenache and the balance Cinsault, Syrah and Mourvèdre, drink it over the coming years. A smaller production cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Baptaurels is based on 100% Grenache all from the sandy soils of the Maucoil lieu-dit that was partially destemmed and aged in a mix of older barrels and concrete tanks. Saturated purple-colored with notes of blueberries, peppery, wet stone-l ke minerality, and violets, it s deep, rich and concentrated, with beautiful purity and elegance on the palate. It s another outstanding wine from this estate. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is a touch rough around the edges, with ultraripe black cherries and a fresh, focused feel on the palate. I d give it a year or so to see if it comes together. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tradition is another solid wine. The same blend as the 2016, it s medium to full-bodied, with slightly lifted notes of violets, plums, blueberries, and peppery herbs. It s a little rough around the edges yet it s going to come together nicely in bottle. MICHEL GASSIER MICHEL GASSIER 2017 VIN DE FRANCE A CAPPELLA $17 WHITE 89 MICHEL GASSIER 2017 VIN DE FRANCE VIOGNIER $15 WHITE 89 MICHEL GASSIER 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES NOSTRE PAIS $19 WHITE 92 MICHEL GASSIER 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES LOU COUCARDIE $29 WHITE MICHEL GASSIER 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES SYRAH $15 RED 91 MICHEL GASSIER 2016 VIN DE FRANCE CABERNET SAUVIGNON $15 RED 88 MICHEL GASSIER 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES NOSTRE PAIS $19 RED 92 MICHEL GASSIER 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES LOU COUCARDIE $29 RED MICHEL GASSIER 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES GRENACHE DE BECK $60 RED MICHEL GASSIER 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES SYRAH DE BROUSSON $60 RED MICHEL GASSIER 2016 COTES DU RHONE CERCIUS $15 RED 92 MICHEL GASSIER 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES SYRAH $15 RED MICHEL GASSIER 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES NOSTRE PAIS $19 RED MICHEL GASSIER 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES LOU COUCARDIE $29 RED MICHEL GASSIER 2017 COTES DU RHONE BOIS DE MAGNAN $18 RED Produced as a tribute to German Riesling after a trip through the region, and made from 55% Colombard and 45% Viognier, the 2017 Vin de France A Cappella has a hint of reductive Riesling character in its green citrus, mint, and stony minerality. With a kiss of sweetness, a clean, crisp style, and a good finish, it s going to be versatile on the dinner table or with spicy food. Seeing partial malolactic fermentation, the 2017 Vin de France Viognier is a medium-bodied, exotic white that has plenty to love. White peach, tangerines, flowers, and exotic citrus notes all flow to a medium-bodied, refreshing expression of Viognier that would be ideal as a house white. As always, the 2017 Costières de Nîmes Nostre Païs shines for its purity and finesse. Made from 45% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, and the rest Clairette, Viognier, and Bourboulenc, it offers abundant notes of white peaches, orange zest, and honeysuckle. With medium body, a bright, v brant, balanced texture, and building richness, it s going to be versatile on the dinner table and drink nicely for 3-4 years, possibly longer. Raised all in 500-liter barrels, the medium gold-colored 2017 Costières de Nîmes Lou Coucardié offers a sensational bouquet of white peaches, exotic flowers, honeysuckle, caramelized citrus, and an undeniable minerality. This flows to a deep, rich, full-bodied white that s the equivalent of many a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc. This puppy goes screaming off the QPR scale and is a thrilling white that readers need to try. As I ve written numerous times, when the quality far exceeds the price, just pretend you paid more. The blend is 40% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, and the rest Viognier. Incorporating 10% Grenache, the 2016 Costières de Nîmes Syrah saw a small amount of stems and was raised all in concrete tanks. It s a screaming value that reminds me of a St. Joseph with its blue fruits, bay leaf, mint, and subtle minerality. Full-bodied, rich and concentrated, it seemingly has one foot in the Northern Rhône and one in the Southern Rhône. You could do much worse than a case of this, and it should keep nicely for 4-5 years. From 30-year-old vines just beside the estate, the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon gives up plenty of classic herbal notes as well as black and blue fruits, violets, and hints of iron. It has tons of fruit, surprising structure for a wine at this price point, notable balance and a great finish. In short, it s a rock-solid expression of Cabernet Sauvignon that s a joy to drink. Almost all from the estate Bec Vineyard in the southern part of the appellation, the 2016 Costières de Nîmes Nostre Païs is a blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre, Carignan and Cinsault. Orange peel, black raspberries, exotic flowers, spice, and a limestone-like minerality all flow from this elegant, seamless, medium to full-bodied 2016 that has both freshness and richness. It s a no-brainer purchase and will drink nicely for 5-6 years. Still in demi-muids (they re pushing the élevage with this cuvée), the 2016 Costières de Nîmes Lou Coucardié is a blend of 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, and the rest Syrah. It boasts a rich, full-bodied yet incred bly elegant JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 40

41 and seamless profile that s every bit as good as just about anything you can find in the Southern Rhône in Offering lots of cassis, black raspberries, toasted spices, and cured meat notes, this beauty has solid mid-palate depth and sweet tannins, and while it s going to drink nicely right out of the gate, it s also going to age gracefully for over a decade. All Grenache aged in demi-muids for a year then blended and moved in vat, the 2016 Costières de Nîmes Grenache de Beck is a mix of the two best parcels in the vineyard, one being denser and richer and the other being more aromatic. It s scheduled to be bottled next week and sports a medium ruby/purple color as well as a perfumed, floral bouquet of black raspberries, crushed flowers, and exotic spices. It s impeccably balanced, has beautiful depth of fruit, full-bodied depth and richness, and serious length. It will be a candidate for one of the greatest wines to come from this appellation. Also still not in bottle, the 2016 Costières de Nîmes Syrah de Brousson comes from the northern part of the appellation (which is more iron and rolled stone soils). It saw a small amount of stems and was vinified and aged in onethird demi-muids. Its deep purple color is followed by truly beautiful notes of black raspberries, blackberries, incense, blood orange, and peppery spice. It s deep, medium to full-bodied, has remarkable purity, and is beautifully balanced. This brilliant Syrah is going to benefit from a year or two of bottle age and keep for a decade. Michel commented that he d made his best wines ever in 2016, and certainly the quality of the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Cercius, as well as the entire lineup, back up that statement. A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah that sells for a song, it offers outstanding notes of blackberries, black raspberries, violets and peppery garrigue in its rounded, sweetly fruit, incredibly satisfying profile. It s another winner more than worth checking out. The 2017 Costières de Nîmes Syrah was fermented with 10% stems and offers classic Syrah notes of meaty dark fruits, chocolate, and violets. It s terrific on the palate as well, with more depth and concentration than its humble price point would have you believe. Readers looking for a great value can t go wrong here. Almost exclusively from the estate Bec Vineyard in the southern part of the appellation, the 2017 Costières de Nîmes Nostre Païs is a great, great vintage for this cuvée. Black raspberries, crushed flowers, lots of minerality, and hints of incense give way to a deep, rounded, supple, and powerful version of this cuvée that has a great finish. The 2017 is a blend of 60% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and the rest Carignan and Cinsault, aged in equal parts used French oak and concrete. Michel commented that the Mourvèdre was wonderful in 2017, and the 2017 Costières de Nîmes Lou Coucardié checks in as 50% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache and the balance Syrah, all aging in 500- and 600-liter barrels. It s an incred ble looking barrel sample that has a deep, rich, opulent bouquet of blueberries, cassis, raspberries, spiced meats, and garrigue. Thick, powerful and concentrated, yet perfectly balanced, with ample tannin, it s a rock star of a wine that s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and shine for over a decade. A new wine from this team (or at least the first time I ve tasted it), the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Bois de Magnan is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and 10% Syrah. It s going to be another terrific value from this estate (although this cuvée isn t imported to the US) and has a medium to fullbodied, rich, even opulent profile as well as outstanding notes of black fruits, licorice, spice, and earth. It s a rich, pleasure-bent effort to drink over the coming 4-5 years. DOMAINE LA MILLIERE DOMAINE LA MILLIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED DOMAINE LA MILLIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BESSADE NA RED DOMAINE LA MILLIERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED ? DOMAINE LA MILLIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA BESSADE NA RED DOMAINE LA MILLIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED Not yet bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is incredibly classic, with black and blue fruits, tons of pepper and crushed rock-like minerality, full-bodied richness, and sweet tannin. It s a ripe, sexy wine that pushes the envelope yet holds it together. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bessade comes from the Cabrières lieu-dit and is 100% Grenache, partially destemmed and aged in 70% demimuids and the rest in concrete. Plums, blueberries, violets, and pepper all emerge from this ripe, powerful red that has good acidity, ripe tannin, and a good finish. It has tons of potential, yet the cellar will be your friend on this one. Made from equal parts Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône is a chewy, beefy wine that has lots of stem tannins. It does have some fruit, but this is aggressive and rustic. Give it a few years and hope for the best. Cut from the same cloth as the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Bessade is 100% Grenache from the sandy soils of the Cabrieres lieu-dit and is still aging in demi-muids and concrete tanks. It has a sappy, floral bouquet of ripe strawberries, blueberries, and spring flowers. With good density, medium to full-bodied richness, a fabulous texture, and a great finish, it s a seriously good-looking barrel sample from this estate. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is no slouch either and has tons of ripe, dark fruits, pepper herbs, and sappy flower aromas and flavors. It too has terrific density, notable concentration, and a balanced, pure style that s very much in the style of the vintage. It s going to keep for years. MIRAVAL MIRAVAL 2017 COTES DE PROVENCE MUSE DE MIRAVAL ROSE NA ROSE The special production 2017 Côtes de Provence Muse de Miraval Rosé is a parcel selection of Syrah, Grenache, and Rolle that s brought up in a mix of tulip-shaped concrete tanks and demi-muids. It s released in magnums, and the idea is food rosé that can age. It s certainly one of the finest rosés I ve tasted and reveals smoking good notes of orange blossoms, tangerines, citrus, and classic Provençal salty minerality. Textured, medium-bodied, lengthy, and impeccably balanced, it certainly delivers the goods. miraval-provence.com DOMAINE DU MISTRAL DOMAINE DU MISTRAL 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU NA RED 87 This estate has made a classic 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu, and it has plenty of ripe berry fruits, saddle leather, and peppery herb-like aromas and flavors. It s medium-bodied, nicely concentrated, a touch rustic, yet loaded with character. No website found. CHÂTEAU MONT THABOR CHÂTEAU MONT THABOR 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED CHÂTEAU MONT THABOR 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED Not yet bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports a vivid purple/ruby color to go with a ripe, opulent bouquet of black fruits, melted licorice, earth, and chocolate. Similarly styled on the palate, it s a big, rich, fullbodied, chewy wine to drink over the coming decade. In the same mold, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers lots of plum and darker fruits intermixed with pepper, stemmy/herbal notes, and damp earth. Based on 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% each of Mourvèdre and Cinsault, it has good concentration, medium to full body, and plenty of tannins. DOMAINE DE LA MORDOREE DOMAINE DE LA MORDOREE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA DAME VOYAGEUSE NA RED 95 DOMAINE DE LA MORDOREE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA REINE DES BOIS NA RED 100 DOMAINE DE LA MORDOREE 2017 COTES DU RHONE LA DAME ROUSSE NA RED This estate has unquestionably landed on its feet after the passing of Christophe Delorme in 2015, and you ll have to go back to 2001 to find wines at the same level as these 2016s. The new entry-level release from this estate is the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape La Dame Voyageuse, a more Grenache-dominated blend of 90% Grenache, 4% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, and the balance Counoise and Vaccarèse. Aged mostly in tank, with 15% in old barrels, it boasts a deep violet/purple color as well as a full-bodied, voluptuous style JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 41

42 in its blueberry and cherry fruits, violets, damp earth, and spice-laced aromas and flavors. This cuvée is always more upfront and sexier compared to the more structured La Reine des Bois cuvée, and it s already drinking brilliantly today. Nevertheless, it will keep for a good years if you re so inclined. The inky colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Reine des Bois is a match for the otherworldly 2001 and is a magical wine that couldn t be any better. Based on 75% Grenache and the balance Mourvèdre, Syrah, Vaccarèse, and Counoise, raised in tank and neutral barrels, its inky black color is followed by an awesome perfume of blackberries, smoked earth/charcoal, licorice, graphite, and garrigue. Deep, full-bodied, with a huge mid-palate, a seamless texture, and serious tannins, it has the purity as well as depth that makes this vintage so compelling. This modern-day legend needs 3-4 years of cellaring and is capable of lasting for years. Blackberries, graphite, new leather, and assorted peppery notes all emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône La Dame Rousse. Mediumbodied, fleshy, and ready to go, with notable purity of fruit, it s a great introduction to the style of this domaine. DOMAINE MOULIN-TACUSSEL DOMAINE MOULIN-TACUSSEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 DOMAINE MOULIN-TACUSSEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HOMMAGE A HENRY TACUSSEL NA RED 97 The base cuvée 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Moulin-Tacussel checks in as 70% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the balance a mix of permitted varieties. It has rockingly classic notes of red and black berry fruits, garrigue, pepper, and saddle leather, medium to full body, ripe, yet present tannin, and a great finish. If you like impeccably made, classic Châteauneuf-du-Papes, you ll love this wine. The more saturated ruby/purple-colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Hommage À Henry Tacussel offers a thrilling array of black raspberries, toasted spice, garrigue, and crushed flower. More elegant, polished and powerful than the classical cuvée, it has ample tannins and a great finish. Made from 100% Grenache from the sandy soils of the Palestor lieu-dit and brought up in demi-muids, it s a thrilling wine from this estate that needs 2-4 years of bottle age and will keep for years or more. MOURIESSE VINUM MOURIESSE VINUM 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TOUR D AMBRE NA RED 91 MOURIESSE VINUM 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TOUR D AMBRE NA RED Toasted spices, some meaty notes, and plenty of ripe fruits emerge from 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tour D Ambre, which is all Grenache brought up in a mix of barrels and demi-muids. It s full-bodied, rounded, and voluptuous, with a forward, evolved style that makes me think it s best drunk in its youth. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Tour D Ambre shows more purity and has impressive density and depth in this charming, forward, approachable vintage. Offering lots of blackberries, cassis, licorice, and graphite, it leans towards the darker fruited end of the spectrum, has sweet tannins, and a great finish. Like the 2016, this is 100% Grenache, not destemmed, brought up in tank, barrels, and demi-muids. CHATEAU DU MOURRE DU TENDRE CHATEAU DU MOURRE DU TENDRE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU JACQUES PAUMEL NA RED 90 CHATEAU DU MOURRE DU TENDRE 2016 COTES DU RHONE PAUL NA RED 88 CHATEAU DU MOURRE DU TENDRE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HERITAGE NA RED CHATEAU DU MOURRE DU TENDRE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRESTIGE TRES VIELLES VIGNES NA RED This estate makes several Côtes du Rhône. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Jacques Paumel is a non-destemmed blend of 40% each of Syrah and Grenache, and the final 20% a mix of Mourvèdre and Cinsault. It offers lots of pepper, herbal/underbrush, leather, and dried earth notes and is medium to full-bodied, ripe, and about as classic and traditional as it gets. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Paul (60/40 Grenache and other permitted varieties) is more mid-weight and charming, yet still has old-school notes of saddle leather, garrigue, ground pepper, and assorted red and black fruits. This puppy is reminiscent of a Provençal street market, has tons of character, and is ideal for drinking over the coming 2-4 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Héritage checks in as 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre that was raised in 70% new barrels. Not yet bottled, it has a huge nose of the essence of black cherries, blackberries, graphite, peppery garrigue, and crushed rocks. This thick, rich, powerful beauty has a stacked mid-palate, good acidity, and ample tannin, and is going to age beautifully. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige Très Vielles Vignes is similarly colored and offers a blast of black pepper to go with tons of plum and blackberry fruits, notes of garrigue and cedarwood, full-bodied richness, and building tannin. This classic, old-school beauty is packed with potential. The blend is 90% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre (this cuvée comes from the Les Bédines, La Crau, La Guigasse, and Les Saintes Vierges lieux-dits) and it will see a full 36 months in tank before being bottled. VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 90 VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $60 RED 91 VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CINSAULT NA RED 89 VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DES FINES ROCHES NA RED 91 VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FORGET ME NOT $50 RED 92 VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CHÂTEAU DU BOIS DE LA GARDE $11 RED 90 VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2016 COTES DU RHONE CHSTEAU DU BOIS DE LA GARDE $10 RED 88 VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DES FINES ROCHES NA RED VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FORGET ME NOT NA RED VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CHSTEAU DU BOIS DE LA GARDE NA RED VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2017 COTES DU RHONE CHSTEAU DU BOIS DE LA GARDE NA RED VIGNOBLES MOUSSET-BARROT 2017 COTES DU RHONE FLOREAL NA RED The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc offers a vibrant gold, almost greentinged color as well as crisp notes of citrus blossom, mint, and lots of minerality. It s racy and focused, but doesn t come across as lean or tart, and has loads to love. As to the reds, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is one of the finest yet from this estate and is beautifully elegant and medium-bodied, with a core of sweet dark fruits, and peppery herbs. It doesn t wow you with sheer weight and/or richness yet grows on you with time in the glass. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years. A variety you don t often see on its own, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cinsault is rock-solid and offers a medium ruby color, classic cherry fruits, notes of leather, subtle pepper and earth, and a sweetly fruited, balanced, charming style on the palate. Drink up. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Fines Roches is close to an even split of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that was brought up in 50% new barrels. It s another fine effort from this estate, which too often in the past has made simple, straightforward wines. Terrific notes of blackberries, cherries, spice-cabinet and dried garrigue notes all flow to a medium to fullbodied, concentrated yet beautifully elegant red that can be drunk today with loads of pleasure or cellared for upward of a decade. Made from 100% Vaccarèse and the first time I ve tasted a wine all from this variety, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Forget Me Not offers terrific depth JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 42

43 and density as well as fresh, lively notes of dark berry fruits, garrigue, and damp underbrush. I like it today, but it should age gracefully, although I ll caveat that by admitting I ve no idea how this variety evolves. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Château du Bois de La Garde is a smoking value based on 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, brought up in demimuids and concrete tanks. Blackberries, red plums, spice-box, and dried earth notes all flow to a medium-bodied, pure, incredibly well-balanced Côtes du Rhône that will keep for 4-6 years. Lots of black cherries, plums, and peppery garrigue notes emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Château du Bois de La Garde, a ripe, sexy, fleshy wine geared for near-term drinking. It doesn t have the elegance and balance of the Côtes du Rhône Villages release but is a terrific Côtes du Rhône. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is slightly mid-weight and checks in behind the Spice, strawberries, hints of spring flowers, and incense all flow to a medium-bodied, elegant red that s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. It s certainly a charmer. I love the sample of the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Fines Roches, possibly one of the finest wines I ve tasted from the domaine. Onethird each of Mourvèdre, Syrah and Grenache, it offers loads of darker fruits, spice, and tapenade notes and is dense, concentrated, ripe, and flamboyant on the palate. It s impressive. I m starting to think more estates should use more Vaccarèse after tasting this new wine from this estate. Made from 100% Vaccarèse, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Forget Me Not has a modern vibe yet backs it up with serious amounts of deep, cassis and black raspberries fruits. It s fullbodied, nicely concentrated, and has remarkable purity, all pointing to a beautiful wine that should evolve gracefully. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Château du Bois de La Garde is balanced, elegant, and Provençal, with tons or black raspberries, black cherries, garrigue and floral aromas and flavors, medium body, and beautiful purity. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Château du Bois de La Garde offers more peppery herbs and leather, with classic red and black fruits. It s a traditional, rich, mouthfilling, fruit-forward effort to drink over the coming 4-5 years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Floreal is more deeply colored as well as concentrated, with some vibrant raspberry, blueberry, and blackberry fruits, notes of pepper, new leather, and crushed flowers, medium to full body, and ripe, present tannin. It s going to be slightly longer lived. CHATEAU DE NAGES CHATEAU DE NAGES 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES BUTINAGES $12 WHITE 90 CHATEAU DE NAGES 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES VIEILLES VIGNES $17 WHITE CHATEAU DE NAGES 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES JT $24 WHITE CHATEAU DE NAGES 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES VIEILLES VIGNES $17 RED 90 CHATEAU DE NAGES 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES JT $24 RED 92 CHATEAU DE NAGES 2016 COSTIERES DE NIMES VOX $45 RED 96 CHATEAU DE NAGES 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES BUTINAGES $12 RED CHATEAU DE NAGES 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES VIEILLES VIGNES $17 RED CHATEAU DE NAGES 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES JT $24 RED This is the home estate of Michel Gassier and is located in the Costières de Nîmes. They continue to fine-tune their winemaking style as well their vineyard management, and the wines just keep getting better. A blend of Grenache and Roussanne, the 2017 Costières de Nîmes Butinages was bottled early in March and offers a medium gold color to go with beautiful white peach, citrus, and honeysuckle. It s clean, elegant and fresh, with a terrific mix of freshness and richness. Drink it over the coming year or two. The 2017 Costières de Nîmes Vieilles Vignes is a smoking good white that has more than a hint of Condrieu in its tangerine, honeysuckle, flowers, and orange blossom. Medium-bodied, v brant, and elegant, with richness and freshness, it s a big, exotic, layered, balanced beauty to drink over the coming year or three. The blend of the 2017 is 45% Grenache Blanc, 25% Roussanne, 20% Viognier, and the balance Clairette. The 2017 Costières de Nîmes JT (70% Roussanne, 20% Viognier, and the rest Clairette) sports a medium gold color as well as deep, rich aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, and spice. It s a more powerful, richer wine than the Vieilles Vignes, has medium to full body, good acidity, and a great finish. I loved the 2016 Costières de Nîmes Vieilles Vignes, which is largely Grenache blended with 15% each of Syrah and Carignan. Sporting a deep purple color as well as outstanding notes of black and blue fruits, peppery garrigue, and earth, it s a sexy Costières de Nîmes that has terrific purity of fruit, sweet tannins, and more length and depth than the humble price point would have you believe. Drink it anytime over the coming 4-5 years. The 2016 Costières de Nîmes JT checks in as a Syrah-dominated blend that includes 7% Mourvèdre (40% whole cluster) and perhaps a splash of Viognier. Deeply colored, with ripe, flamboyant notes of pepper, game, spring flowers and loads of blue fruits, it has medium to full body, terrific tannin ripeness, and outstanding balance. It s a seriously good Syrah that would sell for 60 dollars or more if it came from the Northern Rhône or California. A new cuvée in honor of the Roman heritage of winemaking in the region that goes back over 2000 years (VOX means voice in Latin), the 2016 Costières de Nîmes VOX comes from terroirs around the estate and is a cellar selection of the top lots in the vintage. The greatest Costières de Nîmes I ve ever tasted, it offers a sensational bouquet of black raspberries, crushed flowers, incense, and licorice. Deep, full-bodied, layered, and incred bly balanced, with no hard edges and thrilling purity, drink it any time over the coming decade or so. The blend is 62% Grenache, 28% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. Hats off to the team at Château de Nages! Anyone doubting that this region can make truly worldclass wines needs to taste this. The 2017 Costières de Nîmes Butinages is the classic blend of Grenache and Syrah that was aged in a tank. Its ruby/purple color is followed by a juicy, fresh, incred bly satisfying wine that has impressive dark fruits, peppery herbs, and earthy aromas and flavors. It s balanced, has excellent purity, and is, I m sure, a smoking value. The 2017 Costières de Nîmes Vieilles Vignes checks in a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah brought up in a mix of French oak and concrete tanks. It has an exotic, flamboyant profile as well as plenty of dark fruits, violets, and peach pit nuances. Drink this full-bodied, incred bly expressive 2017 on release and over the following 7-8 years. The flagship is the 2017 Costières de Nîmes JT, a Syrah-dominated cuvée that includes a splash of Mourvèdre. Fermented with 40% stems and aged in equal parts French oak and concrete tanks, its deep purple color is followed by ripe, full-bodied aromas and flavors of blueberries, plums, ground pepper, peach pit, and graphite. Rounded, sexy, and beautifully pure, it s a pleasure-bent yet also elegant Syrah that s going to keep for a solid 8-10 years. NELLY FRANCE NELLY FRANCE 2017 IGP PAYS D OC FESTIN DE REINE BLANC $11 WHITE NELLY FRANCE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LADY FARMER $47 RED 95 NELLY FRANCE 2017 IGP PAYS D OC FESTIN DE REINE $11 RED NELLY FRANCE 2017 COTES DU RHONE FESTIN D ARNAUD $16 RED NELLY FRANCE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BIO FESTIN D ARNAUD $16 RED NELLY FRANCE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SAINTE CÉCILE GUERRIÈRE $20 RED NELLY FRANCE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LADY FARMER $48 RED Previously at Chapoutier, Nelly France has branched off with her own set of releases in I believe these are still made at Chapoutier and they re brilliant wines that showed even better from bottle than barrel. Citrus blossom, leafy herbs, plenty of minerality, and hints of tangerine peel all emerge from the 2017 IGP Pays d Oc Festin de Reine Blanc. It s balanced, clean, and classically dry on the finish, and is another smoking good seafood wine. The wine is a blend of Marsanne and Roussanne brought up all in stainless steel. From the northern part of the appellation and rolled stone soils, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lady Farmer checks in as 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah that was completely destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks. It has a sensational perfume of black raspberries, incense, crushed rocks, and peppery herbs. With remarkable purity, no hard edges, and a blockbuster finish, it s a gorgeous Châteauneuf-du-Pape to drink over the coming years. It s a shockingly good first release, but it s from the team at Chapoutier, so no one should be surprised. I think it s made in tiny quantities, but man, it s good. Made from 100% Syrah vines located north of Beziers, the 2017 IGP Pays d Oc Festin de Reine sports a glass-staining purple color to go with a fabulous, layered, sexy style. Blackberries, blueberries, pepper, herbs, and graphite notes all flow to a fruit-forward delicious red that sells for a song. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 43

44 A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah from the northern part of the Gard, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Festin d Arnaud offers a rounded, sexy style with the Grenache front and center. Black raspberries, spice, and garrigue notes all give way to a medium-bodied, ripe, opulent beauty that s going to shine right out of the gate. More peppery, with terrific purity, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône BIO Festin d Arnaud offers lots of blackberries, smoked herbs, charcoal, and graphite aromas and flavors. It s rich, medium to full-bodied and beautifully concentrated. Meaning warrior in French, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Sainte Cécile Guerrière is an even split of Grenache and Syrah from limestone and clay soils that s still aging in concrete tanks. Deep ruby colored, with smoking notes of blackberries, charred earth, licorice, and graphite, it s fullbodied, textured, layered, and pure. It s another rock star value to seek out. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lady Farmer will certainly be outstanding, while it will take a back seat to the Garrigue, flowers, black raspberries, and sweet spice notes all emerge from this opulent, forward, sexy wine that has sweet tannin, no hard edges, and a great finish. The blend is 70/30 Grenache and Syrah, all from pebblier soils, and it s still aging all in concrete tanks. CHATEAU LA NERTHE CHATEAU LA NERTHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 93 CHATEAU LA NERTHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC CLOS DE BEAUVENIR NA WHITE 96 CHATEAU LA NERTHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 94 CHATEAU LA NERTHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DES CADETTES NA RED 97+ CHATEAU LA NERTHE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LES CASSAGNES DE LA NERTHE NA RED 89 CHATEAU LA NERTHE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LES CASSAGNES DE LA NERTHE NA RED CHATEAU LA NERTHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED CHATEAU LA NERTHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DES CADETTES NA RED This estate consistently makes one of the top whites in the appellation, and the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc lives up to the hype. Offering a rocking bouquet of white peach, citrus blossom, and crushed rocks, it s elegant and tight, yet concentrated and balanced. It s going to age for years. Slightly deeper colored, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clos de Beauvenir is richer and unquestionably more powerful. Buttered citrus, white flowers, honeysuckle, spice, and caramelized tangerine notes all flow to a fullbodied, concentrated, yet fresh and vibrant red that has everything you could want from a white from this region. Deeply colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 37% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and other permitted varieties. With classic notes of currants, ripe black cherries, new saddle leather, and peppery herbs, it s rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a pure, focused style that s going to age gracefully for years. It s one of the finest classical cuvées I can remember. Similarly colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes is a Grenache-heavy blend that includes 38% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. It was not destemmed and was brought up in 28% new barrels, with the balance in foudres. It offers more cassis, graphite, spicy wood, and minerality, full-bodied richness, a deep, powerful texture, integrated acidity, and awesome structure. It s a rock star wine from this estate that won t hit maturity for a decade and will keep for years after that in cold cellars. It s the finest wine from this estate since the 2010, 2005, and A fine Côtes du Rhône that s from primarily limestone soils, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe has textbook notes of saddle leather, spice, black raspberries, and garrigue. Brought up all in concrete (the blend is 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre), it s a charming, elegant, nicely balanced effort to drink over the coming 4-5 years. This estate has produced a brilliant 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Les Cassagnes de La Nerthe that s based on 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre. Black raspberries, toasted spices, graphite, and hints of pepper all flow to a medium-bodied, concentrated, seamlessly put together Côtes du Rhône that has present tannin and a great finish. It s well worth seeking out. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a rough blend of 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 18% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault that was also not destemmed and was brought up in 25% new oak. This medium ruby colored effort has a pretty, classic, mineral-laced bouquet that includes notes of black raspberries, strawberries, spice box, and dried flowers. It s medium-bodied, has good purity, and fine, polished tannins. It s not going to make you forget the 2016 but has outstanding potential. The flagship 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Cadettes (59% Grenache, 31% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre) is still aging in 40% new barrels and the balance in foudres. Medium ruby/purple-colored, with a ripe bouquet of blackberries, black raspberries, crushed rocks, and spice, it has beautiful integration of its fruit, alcohol, and acidity, has excellent purity of fruit, and a great finish. It s a classic wine from this team that will benefit from short-term cellaring. NOTRE DAME DE COUSIGNAC NOTRE DAME DE COUSIGNAC 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 Spice, sappy flowers, damp earth, and assorted red fruits emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône, which is juicy, tight, and sappy on the palate. Drink this elegant, floral, fresh Côtes du Rhône over the coming 4-5 years. OGIER OGIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HERITAGES BLANC NA WHITE 89 OGIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CLOS DE L ORATOIRE DES PAPES BLANC NA WHITE 90 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CLOS DE L ORATOIRE DES PAPES NA RED 90 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ECLATS CALCAIRES NA RED 93 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FLOR DE RONCE NA RED 93 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GALETS ROULES NA RED 92 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRES ROUGE NA RED 91 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HERITAGES NA RED 92 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES CHOREGIES NA RED 93+ OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PUITS NEUF NA RED 89 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE REINE JEANNE NA RED 91 OGIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SAFRES NA RED 93 OGIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CLOS DE L ORATOIRE NA RED OGIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HERITAGES NA RED OGIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE REINE JEANNE NA RED OGIER 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FLOR DE RONCE NA RED The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Héritages Blanc has some racy acidity yet balances it nicely with good depth of fruit and quality notes of apple blossom, citrus, green tea, and spices. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Slightly better, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos de L Oratoire des Papes Blanc is equal parts Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, and Clairette. It too has a green herb/green tea-like character as well as perfumed citrus fruits, medium body, good depth of fruit, and a refreshing, balanced style. Note of red fruits, dried herbs/pepper, and a hint of graphite characterize the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos de L Oratoire des Papes. It s medium to JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 44

45 full-bodied, ripe, and balanced, with an old-school, classic vibe. Drink it over the coming decade or so. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Eclats Calcaires offers lighter red fruits and rose petal notes, with a real sense of minerality coming through with time in the glass. Medium-bodied, elegant, and silky, count me in as a fan. The blend is 95% Grenache and 5% Cinsault. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Flor de Ronce is Grenache-dominated (there s 10% Syrah) and comes from a mix of limestone and sandstone soils, brought up all in foudre. Incense, lavender, kirsch, and exotic spices all emerge from this ripe, layered, downright sexy beauty. Drink it anytime over the coming 8-10 years. Coming all from the famed rolled pebble soils of the appellation, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Galets Roulés is more elegant and silkier than I would have expected, as I always find that this terroir yields more power and richness than elegance. Nevertheless, beautiful notes of kirsch, white flowers, and cherries all flow to a full-bodied, seamless red that s quite close in style to the Eclats Calcaires release. Lots of black fruits, licorice, pepper, and crushed rock notes emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grès Rouge (red sandstone soils), and it s a richer, powerful wine compared to the other cuvées here. It s mouthfilling and loaded with fruit. I had to go through three bottles to get a sound example of the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Héritages as the first two were corked. Nevertheless, this is a big, rich, concentrated 2016 that has some saddle leather, barnyard, spice and garrigue aromas and flavors. It shows some stem influence, has lots of character, and is a serious wine. Drink bottles over the coming decade. I loved the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Chorégies, my favorite in the lineup from Ogier. Made from 80% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, and 5% Syrah, brought up in neutral foudres and barrels, this puppy boasts tons of dark fruits, peppery herbs, earth and smoke in its full-bodied, concentrated, classical style. It s terrific today and has some considerable upside. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault (I m not sure on the exact percentages), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Puits Neuf has a modern vibe (although it was brought up all in foudre) and offers lots of dark cherries, crushed flowers, crushed stems, and sappy herbs. It s medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, and solid length. Drink it over the coming decade or so. Another terrific wine in the lineup is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reine Jeanne, which is Grenache-dominated (10% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah) aged all in foudre. It has a pretty, juicy, balanced style as well as notes of saddle leather, peppery herbs, licorice, and ripe black cherries. It s an outstanding wine that will keep for 8-10 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Safres shines for its elegance and seamlessness more than its power and richness. Dried red fruits, spice, some dried flowers, and garrigue notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied red that just glides over the palate. A blend of 95% Grenache and 5% Cinsault, it s a beautiful wine. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos de L Oratoire shows the ripe, expansive, charming style of the vintage nicely. Giving up lots of assorted red and black fruits, peppered meats, and textbook garrigue, it s medium to fullbodied, has good mid-palate depth, and plenty to love. Lots of spice, garrigue, orange rind, and black raspberry-like fruits emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Héritages, which is a partially destemmed blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault. It s medium to fullbodied and has the supple, seamless style of the vintage front and center as well as terrific balance and tannin development. The standout in 2017 is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reine Jeanne, which is 85% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre that s still aging in foudres. It has a darker slant in its black and blue fruits, peppery herbs, and sappy garrigue, with terrific purity, concentration, focus, and length on the palate. I love its purity of fruit, and it s going to benefit from short-term cellaring. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Flor de Ronce should also be an outstanding wine. More in the red fruit spectrum, with lots of spice, dried earth, flowers, and strawberry notes, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a light, elegant texture and a great finish. DOMAINE OLIVIER HILLAIRE DOMAINE OLIVIER HILLAIRE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED DOMAINE OLIVIER HILLAIRE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE OLIVIER HILLAIRE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES PETITS PIEDS D ARMAND NA RED DOMAINE OLIVIER HILLAIRE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES TERRASSES NA RED I was surprised not to see any of the 2016s from this estate. Nevertheless, the 2017s showed beautifully and won t disappoint anyone looking for a character-filled Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Deeply colored and a 60/40 split of Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Vieilles Vignes gives up a great bouquet of black fruits, white pepper, and incense. It s medium-bodied, has tons of charm, a rounded texture, and a good finish. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape should easily be an outstanding wine. Showing a pretty, elegant, even silky style as well as notes of strawberries, kirsch, bay leaf, and bouquet garni, it s medium to full-bodied, light on its feet, and already delicious. It s going to drink nicely for 8-10 years. All from La Crau and all Grenache, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Petits Pieds D Armand is the luxury cuvée of the estate and is raised all in concrete tanks. Spice, incense, garrigue, exotic flowers, orange peel, and sweet kirsch give way to a beautifully textured, full-bodied, balanced barrel sample that has a huge core of fruit, no weight, and a great finish. Grenache lovers, go get it. From vines not far from Clos Saint Jean, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Les Terrasses is 100% Grenache. Kirsch, black raspberries, garrigue, and crushed flowers all flow to a full-bodied, pure, sexy Grenache that has sweet tannin, no hard edges, and a blockbuster finish, all while playing in the elegant style of the vintage. No website found. DOMAINE PATRICE MAGNI DOMAINE PATRICE MAGNI 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE DOMAINE PATRICE MAGNI 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE ROUSSANNE NA WHITE 93 DOMAINE PATRICE MAGNI 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE PATRICE MAGNI 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 87 DOMAINE PATRICE MAGNI 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE PATRICE MAGNI 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE PRESSOIR NA RED I suspect the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc will easily be an outstanding wine once bottled. White peach, citrus, and a hint of minerality all emerge from this balanced, fresh, impeccably built white that shows plenty of character. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Roussanne is even better and offers notes of sautéed apples, honeysuckle, spice, and caramelized citrus. It s deep, rich and concentrated, with rocking purity of fruit. The whites from this estate keep getting better and better. This estate has produced a big, meaty, peppery 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape that s ripe, sweetly fruity, and sexy on the palate. Deep, rich, concentrated, yet with the purity and freshness of the vintage, it s well worth seeking out. The blend is 80/20 Grenache and Syrah that was partially destemmed and spent 18 months in concrete tanks and neutral barrels. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône has a perfumed, fruit-forward style as well as notes of cherries, mu berries, and spice. It s medium-bodied, charming and nicely balanced. The blend is 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah, brought up all in concrete. The nicely balanced, elegant 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (80/20 Grenache and Syrah brought up in old barrels and concrete) offers quality notes of blackberry and plum fruits, pepper and garrigue, and hints of stems. It s a wellmade, traditional, workhorse style effort I d happily drink over the coming 8-9 years. At this point, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Pressoir isn t much different from the base cuvée, with darker fruit, peppery herbs, medium to full body, and sound underlying structure and depth. This wine has a big chunk of Mourvèdre, and I expect it to differentiate itself from the base cuvée once bottled. DOMAINE PAUL AUTARD DOMAINE PAUL AUTARD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 DOMAINE PAUL AUTARD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE JULINE NA RED 96 DOMAINE PAUL AUTARD 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA COTE RONDE NA RED 95+ DOMAINE PAUL AUTARD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 45

46 DOMAINE PAUL AUTARD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA COTE RONDE NA RED DOMAINE PAUL AUTARD 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE JULINE NA RED The wines from Paul Autard always fall into the modern school of winemaking, yet in recent vintages I ve found the oak to be more integrated and pushed into the background. Today, the wines possess more notable elegance while not scarifying that purity and richness that s been the hallmark of the estate over the past two decades. Spice, incense, dried flowers, and potpourri notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which has a ripe core of plum and blueberry fruit. It s medium to full-bodied, has good acidity, and is a classic wine from this estate. Easily my favorite, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Juline is a sensational blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was vinified and aged all in new barrels. Despite the new oak élevage, the vinification in barrel gives this wine a polished, layered style and it always shows slightly more elegance than the La Côte Ronde release. The 2016 offers a rounded, elegant, yet powerful style to go with fabulous notes of black raspberries, cassis, crushed flowers, and spice. Possessing full body, a weightless, seamless texture, rock star tannins, and a great finish, it s a great wine from this estate that will keep for 15+ years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Côte Ronde shows more density and power as well as length, yet doesn t have the elegance that s already present in the Juline cuvée. A big blast of blackcurrants, crushed rocks, herbs, and pepper notes give way to a full-bodied, fresh, edgy wine that s going to need cellaring. As always, this cuvée is equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was destemmed and brought up all in new barrels. Leading off the 2017s from barrel, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre) is a ripe, quasi-modern style effort that was destemmed and brought up in 20% new barrels. Black raspberries, cassis, toasted spices, and subtle oak notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, balanced, elegant wine that delivers the goods. It s a sure bet. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Côte Ronde boasts a more saturated purple color and deeper notes of blackberries, cassis, graphite, and oak. It s full-bodied and powerful, with the core of sweet fruit that s the hallmark of this vintage. In addition, this cuvée is showing more and more elegance in each vintage, and the wine is better for it. This blend of the 2017 is the normal equal parts Grenache and Syrah vinified in stainless steel (it s all destemmed) and aged in barrel. As in 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Juline offers power matched with terrific elegance. Framboise, black raspberries, crushed flowers, and subtle oak all flow to a medium to full-bodied red that has sweet tannin, terrific purity of fruit, and a great, great finish. It s unquestionably another terrific vintage for this domaine. DOMAINE DU PÉGAÜ CHÂTEAU PEGAU 2016 COTES DU RHONE MACLURA NA RED CHÂTEAU PEGAU 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGE SETIER NA RED CHÂTEAU PEGAU 2017 COTES DU RHONE MACLURA NA RED CHÂTEAU PEGAU 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGE SETIER NA RED SELECTION LAURENCE FERAUD 2017 COTES DU RHONE ROSE NA ROSE 88 SELECTION LAURENCE FERAUD 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE RESERVEE BLANC NA WHITE 92 DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC CUVEE A TEMPO BLANC NA WHITE DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE A TEMPO BLANC NA WHITE 96 DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2015 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE A TEMPO BLANC NA WHITE 94 DOMAINE DU PEGAU NV VIN DE FRANCE PLAN PEGAU NA RED 87 DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2013 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE LAURENCE NA RED 92 DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2012 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE LAURENCE NA RED 96 DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2014 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE RESERVEE NA RED 91 DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2015 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE RESERVEE NA RED 96 DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2015 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DA CAPO NA RED 98+ DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE RESERVEE NA RED DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DA CAPO NA RED DOMAINE DU PEGAU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE RESERVEE NA RED I ve included the Château Pégau and the Selection Laurence Feraud here as well as the normal Domaine du Pégau releases. Looking at the vintages reviewed here, I was only able to taste the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée from the 2017 vintage, so I m not sure if there will be a Cuvée Da Capo, although I would be surprised not to see one, given the quality of the vintage. The two 2016s are still in foudre and barrel, but this is an undeniably great vintage for this estate, and the wines will surpass what was achieved in 2015, which are great wines in their own right. The 2015s showed beautifully from bottle, and this is a vintage compared to 2010 by Laurence, although I don t completely share that belief. There s a firmness in the 2015s that s nor far off the 2005s, but both the Cuvée Réservée and Cuvée Da Capo are incredibly concentrated and will be very long lived. There are two vintages of the Cuvée Laurence reviewed as well, and as I ve written in the past, this is the same wine as the Cuvée Réservée only aged longer, which normally gives the wine a more evolved, rounded style. In short, this is an undeniable reference point for traditionally made Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and life is too short not to drink copious quantities of Pégau! Starting with the Château Pégau releases, this estate is located south of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, along the Rhône river and is a continuous estate of pebbly, clay and sandy soils. They release a Côtes du Rhône and a Côtes du Rhône Villages, and are in the process of renovating the cellars. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Maclura is still aging in tank and offers a classic southern Rhône style in its lavender, exotic herbs, pepper, and sweet dark fruits. It has some Pégau charm and is going to be ideal for drinking over the coming 2-4 years. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Village Setier, also still in tank, offers more structure and tannin, with lots of black fruits, roasted herbs, olive tapenade, and obvious minerality. It too is impressive, medium-bodied, and concentrated, and appears to be an outstanding wine that will keep for at least 7-8 years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Maclura is similar to the 2016, with slightly more structure and freshness. Black raspberries, garrigue, pepper, and some iron and meatiness all emerge from this medium-bodied, promising tank sample. I think the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Village Setier is better balanced than the Maclura and has terrific notes of red and black fruits, ground herbs, pepper, and garrigue. With medium to full body, solid mid-palate depth, and a layered, pure character, it s well worth seeking out. As to the Selection Laurence Feraud releases, these are négociant wines made by Laurence which almost always represent solid values. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Rosé is a fruit, forward, nicely balanced rose that offers classic sweet strawberry and raspberry fruits. Drink it over the coming summer months. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is also solid stuff, offering a forward, fleshy, charming style as well as lots of peppery herbs and assorted red and black fruits. It s medium-bodied, has light tannins, and a delicious style geared for near-term drinking. Moving to the Domaine du Pégau releases, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Cuvée Réservée Blanc is a Burgundian styled effort that has lots of mineral nuances in its wet stone, lime, citrus peel, and white flower-like aromas and flavors. With vibrant acidity, beautiful balance, and a tight, v brant style on the palate, it opens up nicely with time in the glass and is going to evolve nicely for 4-6 years. The quality of the whites at this estate has soared over the past 4-5 years. Leading off a small retrospective of the flagship white, the not yet bottled 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Cuvée A Tempo Blanc offers a kiss of Burgundy-like reduction to go with exotic notes of Meyer lemons, poached pears, dried herbs, and spice. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and with vibrant acidity, it s another singular, beautiful wine from this estate that s going to benefit from a year in bottle and evolve gracefully. Deeper and richer than the classic cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée A Tempo Blanc is a tiny production, luxury cuvée based on Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne. Exotic notes of candied lemons, lime, honeysuckle, chamomile, and exotic flowers give way to a medium-bodied, vibrant, racy white that has an incredible sense of tension and vibrancy. It JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 46

47 picks up more and more minerality with time in the glass, is beautifully balanced, and is a singular wine from the estate. The 2015 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée A Tempo Blanc (first introduced in 2014) checks in as equal parts Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne, all from the Mont Pertuis lieu-dit, that was brought up in a mix of barrels and stainless steel. It offers a beautiful bouquet of peach, crushed citrus, and loads of salinity as well a classic, v brant, chiseled style on the palate. I find the 2016 to have more flesh and character, but both vintages are terrific. Starting out with their Vin de France release, which I always love, the current vintage of the Plan Pégau is a mix of 2013, 2014, and 2015 and offers a rounded, fleshy, medium-bodied, style as well as more than a hint of Pégau in its gamey, saddle leather, and peppery aromas and flavors. Drink it over the coming could of years. The 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence is a solid effort in the vintage, and the longer élevage has made for a more charming, textured, medium to full-bodied wine. Plenty of darker fruits, pepper, garrigue, and charcoal/wet stone-like minerality gives way to a medium to full-bodied, ready to go wine that has good purity and freshness. It drops off on the finish but is nevertheless an outstanding wine from Laurence. I loved the 2012 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Laurence, a serious wine from this solid, always charming vintage. Saddle leather, currants, garrigue, pepper, and ample spice notes flow to a full-bodied, opulent, concentrated wine that has terrific mid-palate depth. While it s relatively soft and forward on the attack, it has density as well as tannin. It s going to drink nicely for two decades. The 2014 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée reminds me of the 2008 with its classic, balanced, elegant style. It s not the most serious wine from the estate, yet it offers textbook garrigue, pepper, and meatiness, medium body, fine, silky tannins, and a great finish. It s ideal for drinking over the coming 7-8 years, and given the track record of this wine for aging gracefully even in difficult vintages, I wouldn t be surprised to see it drink nicely for longer. The 2015 Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Cuvée Réservée is a beautiful, classic wine from the Feraud family that offers powerful notes of blackcurrants, peppered meat, garrigue, and that classic Pégau spice that s hard to find outside of this iconic estate. Possessing a deep ruby/plum color, beautiful complexity, full-bodied richness, and firm tannin, it has closed up slightly since I tasted it from barrel and is going to need 6-12 months of bottle age to bounce back, but this is a concentrated, powerful vintage for this estate that reminds me a slightly improved The tiny production 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Da Capo is a powerhouse and unquestionably one of the top wines in the vintage. Compared to the 2010 by Laurence, it offers a stacked, full-bodied, incredibly concentrated feel as well as a blockbuster bouquet of blackcurrants, tapenade, cured meats, garrigue, and assorted Provençal street market-like aromas and flavors. It doesn t have the sheer volume or flamboyant character of the 2016 (which I think is a better wine) but is deep, straight, and as classic as it gets. Hide bottles for 3-4 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy them over the following 2-3 decades. A wine that s going to rival or surpass the 2015, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Cuvée Réservée shows the quality of this awesome vintage with its deep, powerful, concentrated style. While Laurence says her 2015s remind her of her 2010s, I find a certain 2010-like purity in this wine as well as killer notes of black raspberries, blueberries, garrigue, and pepper. Possessing both power and finesse, full body, sweet tannins, and a great finish, don t miss this beauty. A step up over the 2015, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Da Capo is another perfect wine in the making and reminds me of the incredible Inky colored, with a huge, powerful bouquet of garrigue, pepper, kirsch, cured meats, and bouquet garni, this rocking effort hits the palate with full-bodied richness, building tannin, yet a wealth of pure, opulent fruit. This is classic Pégau all the way, and if forced to pick one wine in the vintage to buy, this might be it. Give bottles 4-5 years of bottle age, and it s going to cruise in the cellar for 2+ decades. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée is a terrific wine, and this is certainly another good vintage for the domaine. Giving up a classic, oldschool bouquet of blackberries, currants, iron, bloody meat, and pepper, it s full-bodied, has terrific purity of fruit, serious tannins, impeccable balance, and a great finish. The cellar is going to be your friend. DOMAINE DU PERE CABOCHE DOMAINE DU PERE CABOCHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC $28 WHITE 89 DOMAINE DU PERE CABOCHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $30 RED DOMAINE DU PERE CABOCHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES ELISABETH CHAMBELLAN $30 RED 94 DOMAINE DU PERE CABOCHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $30 RED DOMAINE DU PERE CABOCHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES ELISABETH CHAMBELLAN $30 RED DOMAINE DU PERE CABOCHE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 89 Classic, elegant, Provençal wines emerge from this estate, which pulls mostly from vines on the eastern side of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, with a good portion located on the famed La Crau plateau. These are stylish, elegant wines that can be drunk young yet also evolve gracefully. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from Père Caboche is based largely on Clairette and Bourboulenc yet includes 15% each of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. It s a racy, vibrant, pretty white that offers notes of apple blossom, stone and citrus fruits, and a hint of mint in a mediumbodied, impeccably balanced package. It should evolve for at least 4-5 years, and I suspect even longer. As to the reds, notes of black cherries, blueberries, tapenade, and peppery herbs all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is still aging in a mix of foudre and concrete tanks. A deeper, richer wine than I m used to from this estate, it s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, yet never loses the si ky, elegant style that s the hallmark here. The blend is 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. Similarly deeply colored the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Elisabeth Chambellan is 88% Grenache, 10% Syrah and a splash of Mourvèdre that was all destemmed and raised mostly in concrete tanks. It offers more purity and elegance, with beautiful notes of kirsch and black cherry fruits, garrigue, and spring flowers. This medium to full-bodied, deep, layered effort exudes purity and finesse, has no hard edges, and a great, great finish. As to the 2017s, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is another beautiful wine that has a classic feel in its garrigue, pepper, gravelly minerality, and assorted red and black fruits. This medium-bodied barrel sample has fine tannins, terrific purity of fruit, and is going to hit the ground running yet keep for a decade or more. The smaller production 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes Elisabeth Chambellan offers more minerality as well as slightly more richness to go with loads of black fruits, graphite and scored earth. It s medium to full-bodied, has outstanding balance, and notable concentration, all suggesting a terrific Châteauneuf-du-Pape that will have years of prime drinking. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is a beauty and a great introduction into the classic yet elegant style of this estate. Blackberries, blueberry, violets, and some orange blossom notes give way to a medium-bodied, silky, elegant wine that just glides over the palate. domaineduperecaboche.fr DOMAINE DES PERES DE L EGLISE DOMAINE DES PERES DE L EGLISE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE CALICE DE SAINT PIERRE BLANC NA WHITE 84 DOMAINE DES PERES DE L EGLISE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DES PERES DE L EGLISE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE CALICE DE SAINT PIERRE NA RED 92 DOMAINE DES PERES DE L EGLISE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HERITAGE NA RED 95 DOMAINE DES PERES DE L EGLISE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 DOMAINE DES PERES DE L EGLISE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE CALICE DE SAINT PIERRE NA RED DOMAINE DES PERES DE L EGLISE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE HERITAGE NA RED One of the few duds from this estate, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Calice de Saint Pierre Blanc is spicy, tart, and uninteresting, especially given the overall high quality found in the other wines from Pères de L Eglise. Lots of black fruits, pepper, and leafy tobacco notes emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône, which is medium-bodied, fleshy, and charming. Ripe red and black fruits, tapenade, peppered meats, and spices emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Calice de Saint Pierre. It s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and structured, with some subtle stem nuances that will integrate with time in the cellar. This classic, balanced, ageworthy wine has loads to love. The blend is 85% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre, brought up in a mix of foudres, old barrels and concrete tanks. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Heritage is more modern in style and is 100% Grenache aged all in demi-muids. Cassis, black raspberries, toasted spices, and vanilla notes all flow to a seamless, gorgeously pure, elegant red that has fine tannin, good freshness, and a supple, balanced style that s JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 47

48 already a joy to drink. With one foot in the traditional camp and one in the modern camp, it s going to appeal to any lover of quality Châteauneuf-du- Papes and can keep for years. Blackberries, blueberries, saddle leather, and peppery notes all emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône, which is based on 85% Grenache and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. This rich, medium to full-bodied Côtes du Rhône has good fruit, plenty of texture, and a good finish. Notes of ripe plums, violets, bay leaf and exotic orange peel notes all emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Calice de Saint Pierre. Based on 85% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, and 5% Syrah, it shows the vintage nicely on the palate with its medium to full-bodied, charming, sweetly fruited style, and it s certainly going to be an outstanding wine. Beautiful as well, the 100% Grenache 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Heritage is another medium to full-bodied, concentrated, impeccably made wine. Plums, peppery herbs, dark fruits, medium to full body, some stem influence, and plenty of background meatiness all made from a classic Grenache that s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink well for a decade. PESQUIE PESQUIE 2017 VENTOUX TERRASSES BLANC NA WHITE 91 PESQUIE 2017 VENTOUX QUINTESSANCE BLANC NA WHITE 93 PESQUIE 2016 VENTOUX ASCENSIO NA RED 95 PESQUIE 2017 VIN DE FRANCE PARADOUX NA RED 89 PESQUIE 2017 VENTOUX EDITION 1912M NA RED PESQUIE 2017 VENTOUX TERRASSES NA RED PESQUIE 2017 VENTOUX QUINTESSENCE NA RED PESQUIE 2017 VENTOUX ARTEMIA NA RED The 2017 Ventoux Terrasses Blanc offers a vibrant, clean, pure bouquet of peach, pineapple, lime, and honeysuckle. This complex, nuanced, vibrant white has good acidity, loads of character, and a clean, juicy finish that keeps you coming back to the glass. The 2017 Ventoux Quintessance Blanc is another pure, elegant, exuberant white from this estate offering a great bouquet of tangerines, white peach, flowers, and crushed rock. Clean, pure, finesse-driven, and complex, with a crisp finish that carries ample minerality, it s a terrific effort that competes with any number of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blancs. Mostly Grenache (5% Syrah) made with 30% stems, brought up all in concrete, the 2016 Ventoux Ascensio sports an inky purple color as well as sensational notes of blackberries, plums, licorice, violets, and crushed rocks. It s deep, full-bodied, pure, and primordial, with ample tannin and a great finish. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age but is blockbuster stuff. The 2017 Vin de France Paradoux is the normal 100% Grenache that s sourced from the Ventoux and the Roussillon. Its medium ruby color is followed by a vibrant, crisp, balanced red that has lots of peppery spice, classic Grenache fruit, medium body, and a clean, dry finish. It s a great example of the character-filled, elegant wines from this region that are becoming more and more common. From higher elevation sites and mostly Grenache brought up all in concrete and stainless steel, the 2017 Ventoux Edition 1912M offers a blast of black raspberry and cherry fruit to go with ample minerality, medium to full body, good acidity, and ripe yet present tannin. It s a mineral-laced, outstanding tank sample that will drink nicely for 8-10 years. A blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, the 2017 Ventoux Terrasses has been a perennial winner over the past decade, and the 2017 isn t going to break the trend. Blackberries, crushed rocks, peppery herbs, and graphite notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, balanced red that has enough tannin and depth to keep for over a decade. The 2017 Ventoux Quintessence is the Syrah-dominated cuvée, 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache brought up mostly in demi-muids, which is where this estate is moving more and more. It has a little bit of a Côte- Rôtie vibe in its ripe raspberry and blackberry fruits, floral, and peppery herb-driven aromas and flavors, and hits the palate with medium to fullbodied richness, ample tannins, and a building sense of minerality on the finish. The 2017 Ventoux Artemia is 75% Syrah and 15% Grenache, and it s the more Hermitage-like cuvée in the lineup. Plums, blackberries, crushed violets, spice, and exotic floral and peach pit notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, balanced Syrah that has fine, elegant tannins, good acidity, and a big finish. Anyone doubting the quality now coming from these dedicated producers in the Ventoux region needs to try these wines! PIERRE-HENRI MOREL PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LAUDUN BLANC $15 WHITE 91 PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SIGNARGUES $15 RED 91 PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2016 VACQUEYRAS $33 RED 93 PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2016 GIGONDAS $30 RED 91 PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $43 RED 92 PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LIEU DIT PIGNAN $60 RED PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES SIGNARGUES $15 RED PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2017 VACQUEYRAS $33 RED PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2017 GIGONDAS $30 RED PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $43 RED PIERRE-HENRI MOREL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LIEU DIT PIGNAN $60 RED The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Laudun Blanc is a blend of Roussanne, Viognier, and Grenache Blanc brought up all in tank. A ripe, powerful wine by any standards, with a touch of green in its color and a huge nose of caramelized limes, crushed rocks, and white grapefruit, it stays pure and balanced on the palate, with a dry finish. It s another wine from the team at Chapoutier that drinks way over its humble price point. From clay and rolled stone soils that are baked by the sun, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues checks in as a mix of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan that was destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks. Black cherries, dried earth, hints of leather, and peppery herbs all emerge from this silky, polished, fruit-loaded beauty. It s a terrific wine as well as a smoking value. The 2016 Vacqueyras is one of the few wines to see some barrel aging, and it spends ten months in 75% concrete tanks and 25% in once-used barrels. Blackberries, pepper, hints of meatiness, and crushed rocks all flow to a deeply fruited, textured Vacqueyras that has smoking levels of fruit and texture, no hard edges, and a great finish. Drink it any time over the coming 7-8 years. Brought up in stainless steel and a mix of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, the 2016 Gigondas has that classic spicy, cedarwood, and pepper bouquet that s the hallmark of Gigondas. It s fat, medium to fullbodied, and layered on the palate, with tons to love. It s a classic wine and will impress for at least 7-8 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beautiful wine. Black raspberries, garrigue, lavender, and floral notes, as well as a kiss of honeysuckle all, emerge from this ripe, layered, yet weightless beauty. It s beautifully textured and a serious wine in this great, great vintage. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lieu dit Pignan is mostly Grenache (there s 25% Mourvèdre) sourced from one of the great terroirs in the appellation. It is scheduled to be bottled in August of this year. This inky colored beauty gives up a primordial bouquet of blueberries, cassis, violets, lavender, and honeysuckle. Deep, full-bodied, and incred bly pure, with a mountain of baby fat, this awesome effort is going to take 5-7 years to shed some fruit and show nuance, but it s a brilliant effort. Deeply colored, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Signargues checks in as a mix of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Carignan raised all in tank. It has tons of minerality, lots of blackberry and currant fruits, a deep, medium to full-bodied profile, and a great finish. It s going to be another terrific value in this lineup. The 2017 Vacqueyras checks in as predominantly Grenache that s still aging mostly in concrete tanks, with 25% in once-used barrels. Jammy blackberries, crushed violets, some white pepper, and mineral characteristics all flow to a medium to full-bodied, textured, sexy Vacqueyras that will drink well right out of the gate. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 48

49 Coming from both the upper and lower parts of the appellation, the 2017 Gigondas is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that s always 100% destemmed and aged in concrete. Black raspberries, spice box, dried flowers and cedar notes all flow to a textured, balanced, impressive Gigondas that has sweet tannins and tons of character. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is elegant and finesse-driven, with plenty of sweet kirsch and cassis fruits, spice and floral notes, medium body, and sweet tannins. This cuvée comes from a multitude of terroirs, is always completely destemmed, and is raised all in concrete tanks. It s a year in, year out outstanding wine. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Lieu dit Pignan is the same blend as the 2016 and has a similar inky color as well as a flamboyant personality. Black raspberries, peach hit, violets, and jammy blackberry notes all flow to a fullbodied, pure, beautifully textured red that has more mid-palate density than most in the vintage. It doesn t quite have the density of the 2016 but has tons of finesse and elegance. No website found. DOMAINE DE PIGNAN DOMAINE DE PIGNAN 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE DE PIGNAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $25 RED DOMAINE DE PIGNAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CORALIE ET FLORIANE $40 RED The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is a perfumed, downright pretty Côtes du Rhône that has tons of strawberries, flowers, and juicy berry aromas and flavors. It leans towards the red-fruited end of the spectrum and has an elegant, silky personality. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape should be an outstanding wine. Based largely on Grenache, with smaller amounts of Mourvèdre, Syrah and other permitted varieties, it has lots of dark fruits, pepper, and violets, as well as some olive notes with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, nicely textured and balanced, it shows the vintage nicely. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Coralie Et Floriane (equal parts Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre brought up in 15% new oak) offers more dark fruits as well as some tobacco and tapenade aromatics, full-bodied richness, and terrific purity of fruit. This is a powerful 2017 that still shows the si ky, charming style of the vintage nicely. DOMAINE PONTIFICAL DOMAINE PONTIFICAL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89 DOMAINE PONTIFICAL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED This estate always turns out a competent, solid, although rarely inspired wine. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers classic notes of garrigue, black cherries, and seaweed wrapper in a medium to full-bodied, enjoyable, nicely textured package. Drink it over the coming 5-6 years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape follows suit and is slightly fresher and more elegant, with attractive notes of dark fruits, dried cherries, and spice. It has some dry tannin, but the overall feel here is one of charm and accessibility. No website found. DOMAINE PORTE ROUGE DOMAINE PORTE ROUGE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 90 DOMAINE PORTE ROUGE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED Medium ruby-colored, with notes of black raspberries, cherries, spices and dried flowers, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is medium-bodied, silky and polished on the palate, with a wonderful upfront, charming, silky character. It s not the most profound wine in the vintage, yet it s as balanced and easy drinking as they come. Cut from the same cloth as the 2016, yet poss bly even with some additional density, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers classic red and black raspberry fruits, dried flowers, and garrigue in a medium to fullbodied, rounded, lush, and fleshy package. It s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. DOMAINE DE LA PRESIDENTE DOMAINE DE LA PRESIDENTE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GRANDS CLASSIQUES 30 RED 90 DOMAINE DE LA PRESIDENTE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NONCIATURE 40 RED 90 The outstanding 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grands Classiques is a charming, forward 2016 that s incredibly drinkable. Black cherries, leafy herbs, graphite, and licorice notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, elegant effort that s already hard to resist, yet I suspect it will keep for 7-8 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Nonciature (60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre brought up in new barrels) is a deeper, more full-bodied effort that offers ample black cherry, black olive, pepper, and licorice aromas and flavors. The Grands Classiques is more classic, yet this will probably be longer lived. RAVOIRE & FILS RAVOIRE & FILS 2016 VACQUEYRAS OLIVIER RAVOIRE $25 RED 91 RAVOIRE & FILS 2016 GIGONDAS OLIVIER RAVOIRE $35 RED 90 RAVOIRE & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE OLIVIER RAVOIRE $45 RED 90 Beautiful, with elegant black raspberries, kirsch, lavender and garrigue, the 2016 Vacqueyras Olivier Ravoire (80/20 Grenache and Syrah) is medium to full-bodied, elegant and seamless. It s a high-quality effort made in good quantities. The 2016 Gigondas Olivier Ravoire is loaded with spicy characteristics as well as classic notes of red and black fruits, cedarwood, garrigue, and dried earth. With medium-bodied richness, fine tannin, and a charming, silky style, it will keep for a decade. From the La Crau and Les Serres lieux-dits, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Olivier Ravoire checks in as 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre raised 10% in new barrels. It has a layered, elegant, balanced style as well as tons of spice in its blackberries, black raspberries, garrigue and dried flower aromas and flavors. It s another terrific, pleasure bent, yet classy wine from this estate. DOMAINE REVEIROLLES DOMAINE REVEIROLLES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 89 DOMAINE REVEIROLLES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SELECTION NA RED 90+ DOMAINE REVEIROLLES 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 85 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a solid effort. Based on 85% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre and Syrah, partially destemmed and aged in a mix of foudre, demi-muids, and concrete tanks, it offers textbook red and black fruits, peppery herbs, garrigue, and saddle leather. It shows more and more meatiness with time in the glass, has an old-school, yet polished character, and a great finish. I d happily drink it. A smaller production cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Selection is 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and the balance Mourvèdre. It too was partially destemmed and aged mostly in demi-muids. Medium to fullbodied, deep, nicely concentrated, and with the purity of fruit that makes the vintage so special, it offers tons of dark cherry, smoked earth, graphite, and crushed rock aromatics. Give it a year or two. While both the Châteauneuf-du-Pape Releases were terrific, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône is slightly lackluster and offers some funky herbs and spice aromas and flavors, medium body, and a quaffable, easygoing, bistro style. Drink up. RICHE RICHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 90 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a straight-up classic, old-school nose of ground pepper, garrigue, baking spices, and saddle leather. This medium-bodied, elegant, nicely balanced 2016 has ripe tannin, good overall balance, and should keep for a decade. No website found. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 49

50 ROC FOLASSIERE ROC FOLASSIERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC $17 WHITE 89 ROC FOLASSIERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE ROSE $19 ROSE 90 ROC FOLASSIERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE $17 RED ROC FOLASSIERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES L AGASSE $20 RED These solid wines are made by the team at Chapoutier. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc comes from stony marl and gravelly soils and is 90% Roussanne and 10% Grenache Blanc. It was vinified and aged in a mix of tank and demi-muids and offers attractive notes of citrus, crushed limes, and a touch of earthy minerality in its medium to full-bodied, impeccably balanced profile. Drink it over the coming couple of years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Rosé is outstanding and offers a light ruby color and terrific notes of strawberries, flowers, and a touch of minerality. It s crisp, clean, and elegant as well as high-quality. Not yet bottled, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône (50/50 Grenache and Syrah) gives up a v brant bouquet of peppery black fruits and earthy minerality. This medium-bodied 2017 has good acidity, a charming, balanced texture, and surprising length. It s a steal at the price. On another level, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages L Agasse is also equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was raised all in concrete tanks. It s a classy, medium to full-bodied, impeccably balanced Côtes du Rhône that s loaded with notions of dark fruits, peppery herbs, and ample minerality. DOMAINE ROCHE DOMAINE ROCHE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED DOMAINE ROCHE 2017 COTES DU RHONE MARCEL ROCHE NA RED DOMAINE ROCHE 2017 CAIRANNE NA RED DOMAINE ROCHE 2017 CAIRANNE LA BOUSQUETTE NA RED DOMAINE ROCHE 2017 CAIRANNE FERME DE GABY NA RED I reviewed the majority of the 2016s from Domaine Roche in last year s southern Rhône report. This Cairanne-based estate remains a hidden gem for terrific wines that over-deliver. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône checks in as a blend of 50% Grenache and 25% each of Syrah and Carignan that was destemmed and brought up in tank. This deeply colored wine has impressive notes of blackberries, black cherries, violets, and spring flowers. It s full-bodied, silky and polished, with tons of fruit and just about everything you could want from a Côtes du Rhône. Made from 100% old vine Grenache sourced all from Cairanne (this blend is illegal for the appellation), the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Marcel Roche offers more kirsch, dried garrigue, pepper, and dried flowers, with a ripe, powerful, silky style. It tastes like a top Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is going to drink beautifully right out of the gate. I loved the classic 2017 Cairanne as well, a smoking good blend of 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and the rest Carignan. Ripe, sexy, and opulent, with notes of blackberries, peppery herbs, and flowers, it packs serious depth and richness, all while staying pure, silky and elegant. The flagship cuvée is the 2017 Cairanne La Bousquette, a mix of 80% Grenache and 20% Carignan that was destemmed and brought up in tank. Cassis, violets, lavender, peppery spice, and minerality notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, beautifully polished Cairanne that has silky tannin, rocking purity of fruit, and a great finish. It s a total gem in the vintage that readers should snatch up. The 2017 Cairanne Ferme de Gaby is an importer blend that checks in as 70% Grenache and 15% each of Syrah and Carignan. Saturated purple in color, with a big, sweet nose of currants, mu berries, toasted spice, and chocolate, it s another rich, powerful wine that stays remarkably light and graceful on the palate. It s going to be another outstanding wine from this estate. No website found. DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $31 RED 93 DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES MARIUS LE PERE MAYEUX NA RED 89 DOMAINE ROCHE-AUDRAN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CESAR $35 RED 90 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (100% Grenache) has a spicy, garrigue, peppery bouquet to go with a classic, fresh, yet concentrated style on the palate. This is a classic, balanced, impeccably made 2016 that leans towards the more fresh, classical side to the vintage and is going to be loved by traditionalists. Readers looking for a classic, well-made red that shows the vintage nicely could do worse than a bottle of the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Marius Le Père Mayeux. Deep purple-colored, with attractive notes of blackberries, leafy herbs, saddle leather and pepper, it s medium-bodied, has excellent depth of fruit and a great finish. Drink it anytime over the coming 4-5 years. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages César is another classic wine from this estate. Made from 100% Grenache brought up all in tronconique tanks, it offers tons of blackberry fruits, peppery herbs, orange peel, and violet notes to go with medium to full-bodied, vibrant, layered style on the palate. It s a winner to drink over the coming 7-8 years. DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE LAURA BLANC NA WHITE 87 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE PRESTIGE BLANC $15 WHITE 90 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE PRESTIGE BLANC $30 WHITE 89 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE LAURA BLANC NA WHITE 87 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC $40 WHITE DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE FRUITE NA RED 88 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES CUVEE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 90 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $40 RED 91 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES GALETS DE LA BERTHAUDE $25 RED 89 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE DES VIEILLES VIGNES $60 RED 94 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2017 COTES DU RHONE ROUGE FRUITE NA RED 87 DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2017 COTES DU RHONEVILLAGES CUVEE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $40 RED DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE GALETS DE LA BERTHAUDE 25 RED DOMAINE ROGER PERRIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RÉSERVE DES VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Laura Blanc is mostly Viognier yet includes 15% Grenache Blanc. It offers medium-bodied notes of spiced apricots and tangerines, moderate acidity, and a fleshy, rounded style. Drink up. Based on 50% Grenache Blanc, 25% Viognier, 20% Clairette and the balance Roussanne, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Prestige Blanc offers abundant notes of citrus, spice, brioche and honeyed minerality. This medium-bodied, vibrant white has good acidity and a crisp finish, and is well worth checking out. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Prestige Blanc appears to be twice the price JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 50

51 of the 2016, but unfortunately, it s not twice the wine. Based on 50% A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre, the 2016 Grenache Blanc, 20-25% each of Viognier and Clairette, and a splash of Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Vieilles Vignes is the more Roussanne, it offers lots of juicy citrus, hints of green herbs, a touch of minerality and plenty of salinity in a medium-bodied, balanced, vibrant package. While the 2016 is the better buy, this is still rock-solid stuff. Similar to the 2016, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Laura Blanc (85% Viognier and 15% Grenache Blanc) is a fat, richer style white that holds it together and has attractive notes of tangerines, apricot, spice, and a distinct saltiness. Drink up. Not yet bottled, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc offers plenty of spiced apple, brioche, and buttered notes and is medium-bodied, vibrant, and balanced. It picks up richness with time in the glass and is a well-made white from the Southern Rhône to drink over the coming 4-5 years. Garrigue, peppery herbs, olives, and spicy notes all emerge from the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Rouge Fruité, which is classic, medium-bodied and thoroughly enjoyable. A step up, with terrific purity and focus, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Cuvée Vieilles Vignes is 75% Grenache with the balance Syrah and Mourvèdre. Blackberries, ground pepper, and garrigue notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied concentrated, nicely balanced effort that has ripe tannin and a great finish. Kirsch, black cherries, dried herbs, and garrigue notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which is medium to full-bodied, si ky and seamless on the palate. It s another pure, classic, balanced wine from this great vintage. Slightly darker fruited, with ample minerality in its blackberry, smoked herbs, and licorice aromatics, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Galets de La Berthaude is medium to full-bodied, has good acidity, and present tannin. Give it a few years. The blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, brought up all in concrete tanks. concentrated and powerful, with killer notes of black cherries, currants, garrigue, new leather, and graphite. As with the other wines here, it has good freshness, a powerful, concentrated style on the palate, good tannin, and plenty of length. Give it a few years. There are two 2017 Côtes du Rhône from Roger Perrin. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Rouge Fruité is already bottled and has a mid-weight, charming, elegant style. blackberries, black cherries, peppery herbs, and sappy flower notes all flow to a charming, elegant wine that s as gulpable as it gets. Not yet bottled, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Cuvée Vieilles Vignes (75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 5% Mourvèdre) has more depth and richness, with classic aromas and flavors (darker fruits, peppery garrigue, and leather), medium body, fine tannin, and good acidity. It shows the charming, supple nature of the vintage nicely. A gem of a wine, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape displays a medium to full-bodied, ripe, sexy style. Offering lots of peppery herbs, garrigue, licorice and darker fruits, it has rock-solid depth of fruit, sweet tannins, and a great finish, and is going to be an outstanding wine that s close in quality to the A blend of 80/20 Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Galets de La Berthaude reveals a healthy ruby/purple color as well as outstanding notes of black raspberries, black cherries, spice, and garrigue. It has a more red-fruited character, medium to full body, moderate acidity, and ample texture, and should be rock-solid. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve des Vieilles Vignes is modern in style and has a kiss of oak in its black raspberry, cassis, and graphite aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, and elegant, it has the charming fruit and purity of the vintage front and center. ROGER SABON ROGER SABON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RENAISSANCE BLANC NA WHITE 93 ROGER SABON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES OLIVETS NA RED 93 ROGER SABON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RÉSERVE NA RED 95 ROGER SABON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRESTIGE NA RED 96 ROGER SABON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE SECRET DES SABON NA RED 99 ROGER SABON 2017 COTES DU RHONE RHONE BY ROGER SABON NA RED 91 ROGER SABON 2017 LIRAC BY ROGER SABON NA RED 92 ROGER SABON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES OLIVETS NA RED ROGER SABON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE NA RED ROGER SABON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PRESTIGE NA RED ROGER SABON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE SECRET DES SABON NA RED I continue to love the wines from Didier Negron at Roger Sabon, yet I always feel they re underappreciated in the market. While they can certainly be big, rich wines (especially the Secret des Sabon), these are always classic, elegant wines that have beautiful Provençal charm. There are four Châteauneuf-du- Pape releases: the entry level Les Olivets (first made in 1955) from younger vines and completely destemmed; the Cuvée Reserve from a single vineyard and 70-80% Grenache, and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged in foudre and oak tanks; the Cuvée Prestige based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest mostly Mourvèdre that s aged in foudre, oak tanks, and demi-muids; and the smallest production cuvée (there s normally just 100 cases produced), the Le Secret des Sabon based mostly on Grenache. The estate has made beautiful wines in both 2016 and Brought up all in wood (tronconique tanks), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Renaissance Blanc is a blend of 35% Roussanne, 30% Clairette, 25% Grenache Blanc and the rest Bourboulenc. Terrific notes of pear, citrus blossom, spice, brioche, and honeysuckle all flow to a rich, full-bodied, opulent white that has good acidity and a clean, balanced, impeccably made style. It s a classy, balanced white that s going to evolve gracefully for a decade or more. Made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Olivets is a winner in this great vintage. Blackcurrants, black olives, licorice, and peppery notes all flow to a ripe, sexy, opulent Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has terrific purity, ripe tannin, and a great finish. It s a no-brainer purchase. The same blend as the Les Olivets (80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve is similarly inky ruby/purple-colored and gives up a more dense, serious, backward style in its blackberry, melted licorice, roasted herb, and graphite aromas and flavors. With terrific minerality, full body, sweet tannin, and beautiful purity, it s a seriously good 2016 that s going to benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and drink nicely for The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige checks in as 75% Grenache and the balance mostly Syrah and smaller parts of other permitted varieties. Crème de cassis, olive tapenade, smoked herbs, and licorice notes all emerge from this remarkably pure, seamless, gorgeously refined and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It shows slightly more Syrah character, has a multi-dimensional texture, and a layered, elegant style that just begs to be drunk. It can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years or more. Unquestionably the deepest, richest wine in the lineup, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Secret des Sabon offers sensational notes of blackberries, cassis, crushed rocks, graphite, and bouquet garni. Full-bodied, ultra-fine, seamless, and pure, it has more elegance and purity than the 2010 and is reminiscent of the It s a gorgeous, extraordinary, layered, seamless Châteauneuf-du-Pape to drink over the coming two decades or more. Already bottled, the 2017 Rhône By Roger Sabon gives up a smoking good bouquet of black raspberries, lavender, herbes de Provence, and exotic spices. It s medium-bodied, rounded, and beautifully made. I m sure it s a smoking value. The 2017 Lirac By Roger Sabon is more classic and elegant than the Côtes du Rhône, with lots of currants, cherries, crushed rocks and peppery herb aromas and flavors. This medium-bodied, fresh, elegant 2017 has good acidity, building, fine tannin, impeccable balance, and a great finish. Schedule to be bottled in March of next year, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Les Olivets (same blend as the 2016) reveals a solid ruby/purple color to go with a rich, surprisingly powerful, structured example of this cuvée. Blackberries, currants, crushed rocks, and graphite notes all flow to a medium-bodied, rich, moderately tannic wine that has plenty of mid-palate depth, beautiful purity, and a balanced, well-made style. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve is deep purple-colored and offers a ripe, sexy style in its black raspberries, cassis, blueberries, ground pepper, and licorice aromas and flavors. It has terrific purity, is slightly richer and more opulent than the Les Olivets and will drink well for 15 years or more. The same blend as the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige is another inky colored wine from this estate that has an elegant, mineral-laced, balanced profile that s very much in the style of the 2017 vintage. Blackberries, raspberries, crushed rocks, ground pepper, and violet notes all give way to a fullbodied 2017 that has terrific purity, no hard edges, building tannin, and a great finish. It s going to hit the ground running and cruise in good cellars for two decades. It has slightly more freshness and minerality than the Reserve cuvée. Similar to the Prestige, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Secret des Sabon offers terrific minerality as well as notes of black cherries, lavender, garrigue, ground pepper, and crushed rocks. Elegant, full-bodied, concentrated, and impeccably balanced, with fine tannin, it has a stacked midpalate and a sensational finish. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 51

52 DOMAINE LA ROIZELIERE DOMAINE LA ROIZELIERE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 89 DOMAINE LA ROIZELIERE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED? DOMAINE LA ROIZELIERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 87 DOMAINE LA ROIZELIERE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre that was brought up all in concrete. Peppery herbs, black cherries, sandalwood, and some spice notes all emerge from this rounded, supple, impressively textured Côtes du Rhône that has the charm and richness of this vintage front and center. I found the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape dry and acidic as well as a touch bizarre and difficult to read. Given the quality of the other wines from this estate, I suspect an off bottle, so judgment reserved. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is midweight and straightforward yet has pretty red fruits and an undeniable elegance on the palate. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years. I tasted two samples of the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, both being medium-bodied and nicely balanced, with classic garrigue and spice-laden aromatics. It should certainly be a solid wine. No website found. DOMAINE LA RONCIERE DOMAINE LA RONCIERE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 DOMAINE LA RONCIERE 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 85 The lightly colored 2016 Côtes du Rhône offers an elegant, silky, beautifully textured style as well as notes of strawberries, leafy herbs, and The 2017 Côtes du Rhône is a pretty, juicy, lightweight effort that s geared for near time drinking. No website found. spring flowers. Drink it over the coming couple of years. ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE MAGIS BLANC NA WHITE ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA 2017 COTES DU RHONE INOPIA BLANC NA WHITE ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA 2013 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PETITE LIVRE NA RED ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA 2015 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ARIOSO NA RED ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE OMNIA NA RED ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ARIOSO NA RED ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGE INOPIA NA RED ROTEM & MOUNIR SAOUMA 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE OMNIA NA RED Burgundy-based Mounir Saouma continues to make exotic, singular wines from his cellar located north of Orange. The estate likes to include lots of press wine, keep wine on skins for years, and bottle unfined and unfiltered. Scheduled to be bottled in September and brought up all in demi-muids, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Magis Blanc is certainly one of the whites of the vintage and will give a Grand Cru white Burgundy a run for its money. Orchard and white peach fruits, honeysuckle, toasted brioche, and crushed rock-like minerality all give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, yet exceedingly elegant white that stays tight and focused on the palate, with beautiful tension and purity. There need to be more whites like this from the Southern Rhône. It s going to benefit from a year in bottle and keep for two decades. From vines around the estate, just north of Orange, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Inopia Blanc is a mix of Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, and Bourboulenc. It s a sensational Côtes du Rhône Blanc that offers up loads of minerality as well as orchard fruits, brioche, toasted almonds, and white flower aromas and flavors. This Burgundian styled beauty has beautiful depth, v brant acidity, and a great finish. Another terrific wine is the 2013 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Petite Livre, which is still resting in barrel. This cooler, more difficult vintage yielded firmer, more austere wines from the region, yet this beauty has a seamless, elegant, charming, undeniably Burgundian style that s impossible to resist. With medium-bodied richness, silky tannin, beautiful balance, and a great finish, it s going to drink nicely right out of the gate, yet due to its long élevage, evolve gracefully for 15+ years. Similar in style to the 2016, just slightly more elegant, the 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso is the Chambolle-Musigny of the Rhône Valley with its huge perfume of spring flowers, pepper, exotic fruits, and spice. Possessing remarkable elegance, full body, ultra-fine tannin, and a great, great texture, it s up with the top wines in the vintage and will keep for two decades. A step up over the 2017, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Omnia is a similar Grenache-dominated blend sourced from multiple terroirs in the appellation. It has a crunchy, exotic style as well in its purple fruits, violets, spring flowers, and crushed rock-l ke aromas and flavors. I love its texture, it s beautifully balanced, has notable concentration, and is just a classic, impeccably made wine from this estate. Drink it over the coming decade or so. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arioso is a killer wine. This cuvée is always 100% Grenache sourced from the sandy soils of the Pignan lieudit, which is certainly one of the great terroirs of the appellation. Sensational notes of cassis, violets, crushed rocks, and spring flowers all flow to a deep, layered, seamless 2016 that has the purity and elegance of the vintage as well as fabulous depth and richness. Elegance and purity are the buzzwords here, but it packs ample texture and concentration. It s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and be very long lived. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Village Inopia comes from vines around the estate and is mostly Grenache yet includes smaller amounts of Counoise, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. It offers a perfumed, medium-bodied, elegant, beautifully balanced style as well as attractive strawberry and floral aromas and flavors. It shines for its purity and should easily be an outstanding Côtes du Rhône. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Omnia comes from multiple terroirs in Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is another fresh, elegant, yet textured wine from Mounir. Violets, exotic flowers, blueberries, cherries, and passion fruit notes all emerge from this beautifully textured, seamless It has good acidity, excellent purity of fruit, and nicely integrated acidity. SAINT ETIENNE SAINT ETIENNE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BIO LES ABELHAS LES ABELHAS BLANC $18 WHITE SAINT ETIENNE 2017 COSTIERES DE NIMES BIO LE CAPREA $17 RED SAINT ETIENNE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BIO LES ALBIZZIAS $17 RED SAINT ETIENNE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES BIO CIGALA $20 RED SAINT ETIENNE 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES BIO LA GARRIGUE $24 RED Saint Etienne is another small project by the team at Chapoutier. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Bio Les Abelhas Les Abelhas Blanc appears to be a sensational Côtes du Rhône. Based almost all on Roussanne (there s 1% Grenache Blanc), it gives up crisp citrus and pineapple fruit notes as well as a medium-bodied, racy, yet chiseled style on the palate. I love its vibrant, pure profile, it has plenty of richness and a great finish, and it s certainly going to be worth the going rate. Another smoking value will be the 2017 Costières de Nîmes Bio Le Caprea, a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Marselan brought up in tank. It shows the rounded, mouthfilling style of the appellation and boasts impressive amounts of black raspberries, blackberries, spice, and floral aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied and silky, it s an impressive barrel sample. A charming, sweetly fruited release is the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Bio Les Albizzias, a Syrah-dominated blend that has smaller amounts of Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Carignan. As with all these wines, it was destemmed and brought up in concrete tanks. Black raspberries, crushed flowers, and spice notes all emerge from this charming, fruit-forward, soft JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 52

53 Côtes du Rhône that s geared for near-term drinking. A blend of Syrah and Grenache, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Bio Cigala offers tons of black licorice, leafy herbs, pepper, and assorted dark fruits. Coming from very old vines and aged in concrete tanks, it s one of the standouts in this lineup, offers medium to full-bodied richness, sweet tannins, and a great finish. Another great Côtes du Rhône Villages is the 2017 Bio La Garrigue, which is a mix of Grenache and Syrah sourced from more pebbly and red clay soils. It shows an open, opulent style to go with tons of jammy red and black fruits, garrigue, and spice. With sweet tannins and a fleshy, charming style, drink it on release and over the following 3-5 years. DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2016 COTES DU RHONE PAPÉ PLUME BLANC NA WHITE 90 DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2017 COTES DU RHONE GARRIGUETTE BLANC NA WHITE 87 DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 88 DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2016 COTES DU RHONE AUBRESPIN NA RED 88 DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LA TAMARDIERE NA RED 87 DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PASSION DES ANGES NA RED 89 DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 90 DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PASSION DES PAPES NA RED 88+ DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2017 COTES DU RHONE AUBRESPIN NA RED DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES LA TAMARDIERE NA RED? DOMAINE SAINT LAURENT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED An outstanding white from this vintage, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Papé Plume Blanc is an interesting blend of 75% Bourboulenc and 25% Clairette that was brought up in equal parts new and used barrels. Tons of white flowers, apple blossom, citrus, and hints of leafy herbs give way to a medium-bodied, silky white that has remarkable purity, integrated acidity, and building richness. Drink it over the coming couple of years. Light gold-colored, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Garriguette Blanc (40% Grenache Blanc and 30% each of Roussanne and Clairette) offers some earthy minerality as well as citrus and stone fruits, medium body, and a clean, enjoyable style on the palate. It has some character and will keep for a year or two. L ke the 2016 version of this wine, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc offers some citrus and green fruit characteristics to go with a bright, refreshing, nicely balanced style on the palate. Drink it over the coming couple of years. Solid all the way and a good introduction for the estate, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Aubrespin (60% Grenache and 20% each of Cinsault and Syrah) has a touch of blue fruits as well as exotic notes of bay leaves, cherries, violets, and sappy green herbs. This medium-bodied, fresh, exotic Côtes du Rhône should keep for at least 4-5 years. Starting off the two Côtes du Rhône Villages, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Village La Tamardière gives up attractive plum, blackberry, and incense notes and is medium-bodied and silky. Drink it over the coming 3-4 years. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Passion des Anges is more modern-styled, with some obvious oak and graphite notes as well as medium to full body, excellent purity, and ripe tannins. It has class and will evolve nicely for 6-7 years. Leading off the reds, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape shows considerable elegance and purity as well a complex bouquet of red fruits, lavender, sappy herbs, and menthol. Picking up more and more floral notes with time in the glass, drink this medium-bodied, nicely balanced 2016 any time over the coming 7-8 years. The blend is 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah brought up in used barrels. Based on 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah brought up all in very old barrels, the flagship 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Passion des Papes is a deeper, richer wine than the classic cuvée and has ample black cherry, earth, and graphite aromas and flavors. Despite being slightly more concentrated, it lacks the elegance and balance of the straight Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Drink it over the coming decade. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Aubrespin is inky colored, with lots of blackberries, liquid violets, and pepper. It s fresh, focused, and concentrated, with terrific purity. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages La Tamardière is more classic but has some bright, racy acidity (it s almost carbonated) making it tough to evaluate. Lastly, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape appears to be another solid effort. Offering abundant notes of blueberries, pepper, and spring flowers, it s medium-bodied, fresh and vibrant, and nicely balanced. It s not a powerhouse but is enjoyable, has good purity, and excellent length. DOMAINE SAINT PATRICE DOMAINE SAINT PATRICE 2016 COTES DU RHONE VIELLES VIGNES NA RED 87 The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Vielles Vignes is solid and offers darker fruits, wet stone, underbrush, and hints of pepper in a charming, mediumbodied, fresh and lively style. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. SAINT PAUL SAINT PAUL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 89 SAINT PAUL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 89 SAINT PAUL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 SAINT PAUL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE INSOLITE NA RED 91 SAINT PAUL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED SAINT PAUL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE INSOLITE NA RED Located in the southern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this estate turns out classic, Provençal wines that can be drunk young or cellared for years or more. Brought up in new barrels and a blend of 60/40 Grenache and Roussanne, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc has a ripe, honeyed, richer styled white that stays balanced, pure and elegant. White peach, caramelized citrus, and brioche notes all emerge from this powerful effort that s going to shine on the dinner table. Tropical fruits, spice, caramelized citrus, and floral notes all emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, and l ke the 2016, it s a richer, powerful wine. With medium to full-bodied richness, good acidity, and a big finish, I d drink bottles over the coming 4-6 years, but this can age for years as well. The blend is 60% Grenache Blanc and 40% Roussanne brought up in 67% new barrels. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, brought up mostly in concrete, with the Syrah in demi-muids (10% new). Deep purple-colored with a classic bouquet of black fruits, spice, peppery herbs, and building minerality, this beauty is medium to full-bodied, sexy, and rounded on the palate. It has sweet tannins, no hard edges, and a terrific finish. It s capable of lasting for years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Insolite checks in as 100% Syrah all from the rolled stone terroirs of the appellation. Blackberries, black raspberries, crushed rocks, pepper, and hints of bay leaf all flow to a shockingly elegant, silky, and balanced beauty. With fine tannin and a great finish, it s well worth seeking out. It s worth noting that I m seeing an increasing number of high-quality Syrahs from the Southern Rhône today. Readers looking for an outstanding, approachable red will love the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Domaine Saint Paul. A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah brought up in 10% new barrels, it has a fresh, perfumed bouquet of kirsch, garrigue, spring flowers, and some rocky minerality. Medium to full-bodied, fresh and light on its feet, it s not as powerful as the 2016 but is beautifully balanced and seamless. The Syrah-dominated cuvée is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Insolite, which offers a deep purple color as well as terrific notes of blackberries, orange zest, and pepper. It too is medium to full-bodied, has good concentration, and a terrific sense of elegance and purity. No website found. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 53

54 DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 93 DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CLAIRETTE VIEILLES VIGNES NA WHITE DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92+ DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE AUGUSTE FAVIER NA RED 97 DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE COLLECTION CHARLES GIRAUD NA RED 100 DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE AUGUSTE FAVIER NA RED DOMAINE SAINT PREFERT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE COLLECTION CHARLES GIRAUD NA RED ISABEL FERRANDO 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE COLOMBIS NA RED 99 ISABEL FERRANDO 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE COLOMBIS NA RED Proprietress Isabel Ferrando has taken her Saint Prefert estate to France s highest level, and she s unquestionably making some of the most profound wines on earth today, including both reds and whites. The estate is located in the southern portion of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and covers roughly 55 acres, from which she releases five cuvées: two whites and three reds. Looking at the reds, the classic Châteauneuf-du-Pape is always a rough blend of 90% Grenache (from 70-year-old vines) and the balance Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in demi-muids and smaller barrels. The Reserve Auguste Favier comes from 60- to 100-year-old vines and is based largely on Grenache with around 15% Cinsault, aged all in older barrels. This cuvée always shows a seamless, elegant profile. Lastly, and what I would consider her top wine, the Collection Charles Giraud is always a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Mourvèdre, with the Grenache aged in tank and the Mourvèdre in demi-muids. I ve also included her Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis cuvée here, which is released under the Isabel Ferrando label. It s 100% Grenache from the sandy soils of the Colombis lieu-dit located on the western edge of the appellation. As I ve written in the past, readers looking for the essence of Grenache shouldn t miss this beauty. While the style changed slightly in 2009, when she started including more stems and harvesting earlier, these latest releases show sensational depth of fruit and texture, and are almost overflowing with Provençal charm. Today, she is assisted by consultant Baptiste Olivier, who s increasingly working with the top estates in the region. Madame Ferrando is at the top of her game. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from Ferrando offers a beautiful minerality as well as rich, full-bodied aromas and flavors, ample honeyed notes, remarkable purity, and a great finish. It s rich and textured, yet also fresh and lively. I was able to taste two barrels of the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clairette Vieilles Vignes, both showing different profiles, one richer and fatter, the other fresher and more focused. Both had classic honeyed citrus and mineral aromas and flavors, some oak to integrate, terrific concentration, and a big finish. It s going to unquestionably be another great vintage for this cuvée, and there are few whites out there that can pull off this rich, concentrated, yet vibrant and complex style so well. Don t miss it. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a good introduction into the wines of this estate. Darker fruits, scorched earth, chocolate, and obvious minerality all emerge from this rich, structured, tannic 2016 that s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and keep for years. Incred bly perfumed and complex, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Auguste Favier has put on weight since I tasted it as a barrel sample and offers full-bodied notes of currants, Asian spices, dried flowers, and lavender. It s powerful, concentrated and layered, yet always light on its feet and beautifully balanced, with a seamless, elegant texture as well as the purity of fruit that s the hallmark of this great vintage. It s a rock star wine from this terrific estate that s going to drink beautifully for two decades. A perfect wine that s up with the top handful of wines in this incredible vintage, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Collection Charles Giraud (60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre) boasts a sensational nose of currants, cured meats, kirsch, exotic spices, and sandalwood. Deep, full-bodied and powerful, yet with an incredible sense of elegance and purity, it just glides across the palate and, despite its awesome intensity, it never seems heavy or over the top. Give it 2-3 years, and it will keep for two decades or more. I loved the 2017s from Ferrando, which all showed deep, rich, concentrated profiles not far off the 2016s. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape gives up loads of chocolaty dark fruits, earth, and spice to go with a full-bodied, concentrated, layered style on the palate. It was fermented with no destemming, yet the stems are beautifully integrated and this all comes together seamlessly. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Auguste Favier offers more kirsch and blackberry fruits as well as ample charcoal, earth, licorice, and spice nuances. It s full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, layered, and pure, with sweet tannin. It s slightly more elegant than the 2016 but has terrific concentration. The usual blend of 60/40 Grenache and Mourvèdre, the 2017 Châteauneufdu-Pape Collection Charles Giraud is unquestionably the more powerful and concentrated in the lineup and gives up a rocking bouquet of chocolaty dark fruits, ground pepper, earth, licorice, and cured meats. Massively concentrated and opulent, yet also layered and nuanced, with polished tannins, it should be reasonably approachable on release, yet be at its best with 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for A spitting image of the heavenly 2007, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis is a huge, opulent Grenache that delivers everything you could want from this variety. Layers of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, licorice, and herbes de Provence just cascade over the palate. This literal bomb of a wine is fullbodied, concentrated, and layered, yet l ke all truly great wines, it remains pure, balanced and graceful, with no sense of heaviness. It will most l kely merit a triple-digit score in another 2-3 years and will keep for another years, but why wait? Almost 100% Grenache fermented with no destemming and aged in demimuids, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Colombis might be a candidate for the wine of the vintage. This flamboyant, sexy, yet pure and polished barrel sample gives up a huge nose of ripe black fruits, licorice, Asian spices, chocolate, and a building sense of crushed rock and minerality. The tannin quality is first rate, it has a great mid-palate and beautiful balance. Don t miss it! CHATEAU SAINT ROCH CHATEAU SAINT ROCH 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 89 CHATEAU SAINT ROCH 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 95 CHATEAU SAINT ROCH 2017 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 88 This estate was purchased by Château de la Gardine in Citrus blossom, mint, and a salty, mineral-l ke character all emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc. Based on 50% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette, and the balance Roussanne, Viognier, and Bourboulenc, drink this mediumbodied, pure, v brant white over the coming 2-3 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of close to equal parts Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that s sourced all from the limestone parts of the appellation. It was not destemmed and was brought up in used barrels. Deep ruby/purple-colored with a smoking bouquet of black fruits, toasted spice, sandalwood, and hints of lowers, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a powerful, concentrated mid-palate, and a decadent, layered textured. It s a wow wine and unquestionably the finest I ve tasted from the estate. Bravo! I was only able to taste a single Notes of peppery herbs, earth, and some minerality define the 2017 Côtes du Rhône. It s medium-bodied, fruit forward, nicely concentrated, and totally satisfying. DOMAINE SAINT SIFFREIN DOMAINE SAINT SIFFREIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE DOMAINE SAINT SIFFREIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 DOMAINE SAINT SIFFREIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TERRE D ABEL NA RED 92+ DOMAINE SAINT SIFFREIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is another terrific looking white from an appellation that is increasingly making a bevy of outstanding whites. Citrus blossom, mint, tangerine, and subtle spicy notes all flow to a medium-bodied, refreshing, crisp white that has both freshness and richness. Hopefully, it will be bottled soon so it hangs onto this vibrant style. The blend is a mix of Grenache Blanc, Picardan, Bourboulenc, Roussanne, JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 54

55 and Picpoul Gris, still aging in 38% new barrels. Moving to the reds, the classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a deeply colored, fruit-forward effort that just oozes Southern Rhône charm. Blackcurrants, smoked beef, exotic spices and loads of street market-like characteristic all emerge from the glass, and it has plenty of density, sweet tannins, and a great finish. Mostly Grenache mixed with 15% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah (there s a small amount of Cinsault), aged in foudre and tank, drink it anytime over the coming years. The flagship cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Terre D Abel, a blend of 65% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah and just 15% Grenache, all of which was brought up in new barrels. It has plenty of oak yet also loads of fruit. Blackberries, blackcurrants, smoked earth, licorice, and some pot roastlike notes give way to a full-bodied, powerful yet dense and chewy 2016 that has potential but is in dire need of bottle age. Forget it for 4-5 years, and it should keep for another decade. Lastly, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape appears to be a great classic cuvée. Tons of red and black fruits, incense, and peppery goodness all emerge from this rounded, fleshy, forward effort that has sweet tannins and a real sense of balance and purity. It s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. DOMAINE DE SAJE DOMAINE DE SAJE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 87 DOMAINE DE SAJE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 1600 NA RED 91 DOMAINE DE SAJE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 92 DOMAINE DE SAJE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE MARQUIS ANSELME MATHIEU NA RED 94+ A wine that s well worth drinking, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône (60/40 Grenache and Syrah) offers abundant darker fruits, asphalt, and peppery herb aromatics as well as medium body, a fruit forward, charming style, and a good finish. Drink it over the coming couple of years. A pretty, elegant wine, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape 1600 has plenty of cherry and wild strawberry fruits, hints of garrigue and sappy flower, medium body, good acidity and a clean finish. Drink it over the coming decade or so. This cuvée is a wild mix of 62% Cinsault yet includes just about every permitted variety out there. It was not destemmed and was brought up all in foudre. Balanced, layered, and rich, the classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a great expression of the vintage. Blackberries, cherries, ground herbs, and some pepper notes all flow to a medium to full-bodied, layered, traditional wine that s already drinking nicely, yet will keep for years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Marquis Anselme Mathieu checks in as Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (with a mix of almost all the permitted varieties). It offers loads of kirsch and currant fruits, dried garrigue, earth, and spice in a classic, concentrated, balanced style. It has the focus and purity of the vintage and enough tannin to warrant short-term cellaring. DOMAINE DES SAUMADES DOMAINE DES SAUMADES 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE DES SAUMADES 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED Deep ruby/purple-colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (100% Grenache from the Pignan lieu-dit) gives up a wild, savage bouquet of plums, cherries, wild herbs, earth, and underbrush. It s juicy, clean and balanced, with an exotic style. I suspect it will drink reasonably well on release, yet it should age gracefully as well. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is cut from the same cloth and offers lots of red fruits, spice, and dried flower aromas and flavors. It s mediumbodied and elegant on the palate, with fine tannins and the charming, forward, yet delicious style of the 2017 vintage front and center. No website found. DOMAINE LES SEMELLE DE VENT DOMAINE LES SEMELLE DE VENT 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PUR MOURVEDRE $28 RED DOMAINE LES SEMELLE DE VENT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PUR MOURVEDRE NA RED A 100% Mourvèdre that s still aging in demi-muids, the rich, chunky 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pur Mourvèdre is concentrated, structured, and tannic, with ample dark fruits, chocolate, earthy aromas and flavors. It s going to come up short on elegance but certainly has some charm. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pur Mourvèdre has more elegance, with some blue fruits, graphite, pepper, and charred meat aromatics. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and nicely balanced, I love its purity of fruit, and it should drink nicely for years. No website found. DOMAINE DES SENECHAUX DOMAINE DES SENECHAUX 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC $45 WHITE 92 DOMAINE DES SENECHAUX 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 95 This estate was taken over by the Caze family (of Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux) in 2006, and the quality has soared over the past decade. I ve always loved the white from this estate, and the 2017 Châteauneufdu-Pape Blanc doesn t disappoint. Based on 36% Roussanne, 30% Clairette, 25% Grenache Blanc and the balance Bourboulenc, this medium-bodied, fresh, vibrant white excels on its purity and elegance and offers classic notes of white peach, pineapple cream, and white flowers. As to the red, rocking levels of kirsch, black raspberries, toasted spices, and garrigue emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It s fullbodied, concentrated, pure and elegant, with sweet tannin, and an opulent, flamboyant style. Based largely on Grenache, with smaller amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre, it has fine tannin, impeccable balance, and a great finish. Along with the 2010, it s the finest wine to date from this estate. DOMAINE SERGUIER DOMAINE SERGUIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $50 RED 91 DOMAINE SERGUIER 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE REVELATION NA RED 91 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a classic, workhorse effort that just screams Southern Rhône. Tons of garrigue, peppery herbs, sandalwood and leather notes, medium to full body, a charming, layered texture, and terrific length all make for an utterly delicious 2016 to enjoy over the coming decade. The blend is 80% Grenache with the rest a mix of varieties, aged in a mix of foudre, old barrels, and concrete tanks. Even more Grenache-dominated (90%), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Révélation was brought up in 30% new barrels. It s slightly more powerful and full-bodied, with a modern kiss in its vanilla bean, cassis, and spice-laden aromas and flavors. Another outstanding wine, it will benefit from a year or three of bottle age and keep for a decade. CHATEAU SIMIAN CHATEAU SIMIAN 2017 COTES DU RHONE COMBE DES AVAUX BLANC NA WHITE CHATEAU SIMIAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC LE TRAVERSIER NA WHITE 88 CHATEAU SIMIAN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES MASSIF D UCHAUX JOCUNDAZ NA RED 90 CHATEAU SIMIAN 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES MASSIF D UCHAUX LA LOURONNE NA RED 90 CHATEAU SIMIAN 2016 COTES DU RHONE COMBE DES AVAUX NA RED 89 CHATEAU SIMIAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE TRAVERSIER NA RED 94 CHATEAU SIMIAN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES GRANDES GRENACHIERES D HIPPOLYTE NA RED 98+ CHATEAU SIMIAN 2017 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES MASSIF D UCHAUX JOCUNDAZ NA RED 89 JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 55

56 CHATEAU SIMIAN 2017 COTES DU RHONECOMBE DES AVAUX NA RED 88 CHATEAU SIMIAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE TRAVERSIER NA RED CHATEAU SIMIAN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES GRANDES GRENACHIERES D HIPPOLYTE NA RED There are two whites from Château Simian and both had cloudy opaque colors, which is not a problem for barrel samples. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Combe des Avaux Blanc (50/50 Grenache Blanc and Clairette) has bright citrus and white fruit notes and is lively and balanced on the palate. It s a racy, enjoyable white. Given the cloudy color, I m assuming the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Le Traversier was bottled unfiltered (or was incorrectly labeled as a finished wine). A blend of 75% Grenache Blanc and 25% Roussanne, it has ripe notes of peach, honeysuckle, and spiced citrus. Medium-bodied, nicely textured and balanced, it s a solid, enjoyable effort. All three Côtes du Rhônes from this estate were terrific. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d Uchaux Jocundaz gives up lots of kirsch, spice, garrigue and floral notes and is finesse-driven and elegant on the palate. The blend is 75% Grenache and 25% Syrah brought up all in concrete tanks. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d Uchaux La Louronne is richer and more powerful, with heady notes of kirsch, blackberries, dried earth and garrigue. Made from 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah, brought up in concrete tanks, it has tons of richness, a stacked mid-palate, and is one pleasure-bent beauty to drink over the coming 4-5 years. Lastly, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Combe des Avaux is 70% Grenache and 10% each of Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Syrah. It s a fresher, more v brant, peppery wine that has some Northern Rhône-like character in its violets and darker fruit aromatics. With good acidity and medium body, drink it over the coming 4-5 years. A blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah and the rest Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Counoise, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Traversier comes from a mix of clay and sandy soils (the La Bertaude, Cabrières, and Palestor lieux-dits) and was raised all in concrete tanks. Black raspberries, cassis, garrigue, and loads of spice as well as more floral notes emerge from the glass. Deep, rich, full-bodied, and incredibly elegant, it s an awesome wine from this producer that readers will love. From very old vines in the Cabrières and Palestor lieux-dits, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Grandes Grenachières D Hippolyte is 100% Grenache that was destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks. This huge, opulent wine is about as powerful and decadent as it gets in the vintage, yet like all great wines, it stays pretty, balanced and elegant, and is never heavy or over the top. Sensational notes of kirsch liqueur, ground herbs, graphite, pepper, and garrigue nuances all flow to a full-bodied wine that has awesome purity of fruit, ultra-fine tannin, no hard edges, and a blockbuster finish. It needs short-term cellaring yet is a brilliant wine that s going to flirt with perfection at maturity. Tasted twice. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Villages Massif d Uchaux Jocundaz is a big, ripe, almost flamboyant beauty that has pretty red fruits, strawberries, bay leaf, and spring flower aromas and flavors. A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah, drink this medium-bodied, upfront charmer over the coming 4-5 years. The 2017 Côtes du Rhône Combe des Avaux is fresher, with a cool climate v be in its blackberries, peppery herbs, and earth aromas and flavors. It s concentrated, balanced, and has a great finish. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Traversier shows the vintage nicely and has a perfumed, red fruited character as well as notes of spring flowers, smoked herbs, and a marine-l ke seaweed character. With medium to fullbodied richness and undeniable elegance, it s going to drink nicely right out of the gate. Deeper colored, the tiny production 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Grandes Grenachières D Hippolyte could be a true sleeper in the vintage. Made from 100% Grenache from very old vines located just north of the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it boasts a v brant purple color as well as a huge nose of black raspberries, black cherries, spice, garrigue, peach pit, and exotic flowers. Full-bodied, expansive, and downright decadent, yet always balanced, it s a superstar Grenache readers should snatch up. CHATEAU SIXTINE CHATEAU SIXTINE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHATEAU SIXTINE BLANC NA WHITE 93+ CHATEAU SIXTINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DU VATICAN NA RED 91 CHATEAU SIXTINE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHATEAU SIXTINE NA RED 97 CHATEAU SIXTINE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CHATEAU SIXTINE NA RED The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Sixtine Blanc is a classic effort from this estate, which always turns out a powerful, rich style of white. The 2017 offers a touch of reduction and minerality, with classic notes of white peach, citrus blossom, and mint. Medium-bodied, concentrated, with bright acidity and lots of potential, it needs a decant if drinking any time soon and will be at its best from The blend is 95% Roussanne and 5% Clairette raised in old barrels and stainless steel. The classic cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Vatican, which checks in as 65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre brought up mostly in concrete tanks. Deep purple-colored with a terrific bouquet of black raspberries, cassis, crushed flowers, and spice, this full-bodied effort has sweet tannin, a rounded, voluptuous style, and a great finish. It s more upfront and charming than the more backward Chateau Sixtine Cuvée and is ideal for drinking over the coming decade. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Sixtine is the finest vintage of this cuvée ever made, surpassing the 2003, 2007, and Deep purple/ruby-colored, with a full-bodied, deep, powerful bouquet of blackcurrants, ground pepper, crushed violets, and spice, it s full-bodied, has a voluptuous, powerful texture, sweet tannin, and a great, great finish, all while staying light and graceful. A blend of 50% Grenache and 25% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, it s going to keep for two decades. The only 2017 presented, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Château Sixtine (50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre) is another fullbodied, powerful wine that has solid density and depth as well as baby fat. Offering terrific notes of black fruits, chocolate, graphite, and leafy herbs, it has beautiful purity, ripe tannins, and a great finish. DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2017 COTES DU RHONE BLANC NA WHITE 89 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC $45 WHITE 92 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BARBERINI BLANC $80 WHITE 94 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 91 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BARBERINI $80 RED 96 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CORNELIA CONSTANZA $100 RED 98 DOMAINE DE LA SOLITUDE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE SECRETE NA RED 97+ Peach, honeysuckle, some sandy, loamy soil notes, and a kiss of salinity emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Blanc. It s medium-bodied, supple, beautifully textured and balanced. I d happily drink it any time over the coming couple of years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a Clairette and Roussannedominated cuvée (there s also 25% Grenache Blanc) that offers a complex, medium-bodied, vibrant style. Giving up lovely notes of spiced citrus, melon, and honeysuckle, I d drink bottles over the coming 3-4 years, but I suspect this will keep for years or more. Putting its foot firmly on the richness pedal, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barberini Blanc (65% Roussanne and 35% Clairette) boasts a huge nose of buttered citrus, apple blossom, brioche, and caramelized notes. With good acidity, a stacked mid-palate, and full body, it s beautiful stuff and a great standin for a powerful white Burgundy. Value seekers need to latch on to a few bottles of the 2016 Côtes du Rhône from Domaine de la Solitude. This Provençal beauty boasts notes of peppery herbs, dark fruits, and incense, is medium to full-bodied, has tons of fruit, and a great finish. It s ideal for drinking over the coming 3-4 years. Leading off the Châteauneuf-du-Papes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a gem that s loaded with notions of ripe strawberries, kirsch, garrigue, and spice. It has everything in the right places, a layered, elegant profile, moderate tannins, and impeccable balance. Drink it over the coming years. Darker colored and more modern in style, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barberini is a parcel selection of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre, aged in 40% new oak. Despite the new oak, it stays firmly planted in the southern Rhône and is a rich, opulent, gorgeously layered wine. With some background oak in its blackberries, cassis, toasted spice, and graphite aromas and flavors as well as a touch of chocolate, it s full-bodied, powerful, and concentrated on the palate, with terrific balance and length. It s approachable today but will be better in 2-3 years and keep for two decades. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 56

57 Pure Grenache brought up in a mix of foudre, old barrels, and stainless steel, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cornelia Constanza is up there with the finest versions of this cuvée to date. Huge notes of cassis, kirsch liqueur, crushed flowers, and incense give way to a rich, powerful, yet graceful wine that has no hard edges and a great finish. It s orgasmic stuff and Grenache lovers shouldn t miss it! The top cuvée is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve Secrete, a deep, rich, massive wine that stays balanced, pure and elegant. Crème de cassis, pepper, crushed violets, and new saddle leather notes all give way to a rockingly textured, full-bodied, balanced beauty that s going to keep for 20+ years. I wasn t able to get the final blend, which changes every year for this cuvée, but it s almost always a mix of Grenache and Syrah. LA SOUSTO LA SOUSTO 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 89 LA SOUSTO 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $35 RED 93 LA SOUSTO 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED A blend of 80% Grenache Blanc and 20% Clairette brought up all in tank, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc gives up a rounded, textured yet fresh style to go with notes of apple blossoms, dried pineapple, brioche, and a hint of honey. Drink it over the coming 3-5 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from La Sousto is beautiful. Fullbodied, deep, concentrated, and balanced, it has lots of darker fruits, graphite, and some exotic five spice and Peking duck notes. Made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and other permitted varieties, it was partially destemmed and aged all in foudre. Solid, although a fair click back from the 2016, the 2017 Châteauneufdu-Pape is fresh, lively, and medium to full-bodied, with a big sweet nose of red fruits, garrigue, leather, and dried spices. It has outstanding potential and should be approachable in its youth as well. The blend/élevage is the same as the DOMAINE BERTRAND STEHELIN DOMAINE BERTRAND STEHELIN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE BERTRAND STEHELIN 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from the young, Gigondas-based Bertrand Stehelin is a winner. Showing the depth and richness that s the hallmark of this great vintage, it has lots underlying structure as well as solid intensity in its black raspberry, crushed violets, incense, and peppery herbs aromas and flavors. This medium to full-bodied effort is a classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape that can be drunk today with incred ble pleasure or cellared for a decade or more. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is cut from the same cloth yet shows the more sunny, charming, red fruit style of the 2017 vintage. Lots of cherry and strawberry fruit, notes of bouquet garni, bay leaf, and damp earth all give way to a medium to full-bodied, elegant 2017 that s going to hit the ground running. No website found. MAISON TARDIEU-LAURENT MAISON TARDIEU-LAURENT 2017 COTES DU RHONE GUY LOUIS NA RED MAISON TARDIEU-LAURENT 2017 RASTEAU VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED MAISON TARDIEU-LAURENT 2017 VACQUEYRAS VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED MAISON TARDIEU-LAURENT 2017 GIGONDAS VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED MAISON TARDIEU-LAURENT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CLASSIQUE NA RED MAISON TARDIEU-LAURENT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED MAISON TARDIEU-LAURENT 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE SPECIALE NA RED Always a terrific wine, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Guy Louis (60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre brought up in once- and twice-used foudres) offers impressive notes of cassis, dried flowers, and spice, with just a hint of background oak. Drink this medium-bodied, elegant 2017 on release and over the following 4-5 years. The inky colored 2017 Rasteau Vieilles Vignes (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre) should be outstanding. Classic notes of ripe black cherries, graphite, and scorched earth all flow to a medium to full-bodied, beautifully pure, and silky 2017 that has more elegance and purity than most Rasteau out there. I was blown away by the 2017 Vacqueyras Vieilles Vignes. This utterly beguiling 2017 offers a Burgundian, seamless, multi-dimensional style as well as smoking good notes of blackberries, blueberries, black cherries, and lavender. It has the depth of fruit and texture to drink well right out of the gate, but it s going to evolve gracefully for a decade or more as well. The deep ruby-colored 2017 Gigondas Vieilles Vignes is more austere and mineral-driven than the Vacqueyras, with kirsch, blackberries, dried garrigue, and ample minerality. This medium to full-bodied, structured yet balanced barrel sample should be outstanding, but give it 2-3 years of bottle age. Blackberries, cassis, garrigue, and spicy characteristics all define the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Classique. Based on 75% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre sourced from a number of terroirs and brought up in concrete, it s medium to full-bodied, has good mid-palate density, fine tannins, and terrific balance. It s not a blockbuster but is very much in the style of the vintage. Deeper and richer, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is a blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, all from rolled stone terroirs and made with plenty of stems. Blackberries, ground herbs, graphite, and spring flower notes all develop beautifully with time in the glass, and it s medium to full-bodied, concentrated, and balanced. The stems are beautifully integrated and it has terrific mid-palate depth. It will benefit from shortterm cellaring. The smallest production cuvée and almost all Grenache from the sandy parts of la Crau, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Spéciale gives up a huge nose of cassis, orange peel, spring flowers, and spice. It s full-bodied, incred bly pure, elegant, and si ky, with no hard edges and remarkable purity. It s a killer wine and unquestionably one of the gems in the vintage. tardieu-laurent.fr DOMAINE TOUR SAINT MICHEL DOMAINE TOUR SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DES DEUX SOEURS $45 RED 93 DOMAINE TOUR SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DU LION NA RED 94 DOMAINE TOUR SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE FEMINESSANCE NA RED 93+ DOMAINE TOUR SAINT MICHEL 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LE LIEN NA RED 97 DOMAINE TOUR SAINT MICHEL 2016 COTES DU RHONE CAMSO NA RED 87 DOMAINE TOUR SAINT MICHEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DES DEUX SOEURS NA RED DOMAINE TOUR SAINT MICHEL 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DU LION NA RED An open knit, sexy yet traditional wine based on 90% Grenache and 10% Syrah, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Deux Soeurs reminds me of a street market in one of the small towns in Provence. Huge notes of kirsch, sandalwood, cured meats, and garrigue all emerge from this fullbodied beauty that has tons of fruit and charm. I d be thrilled to drink bottles anytime over the coming years. This is the finest vintage of this cuvée ever produced. Another traditional wine that knocks it out of the park is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Lion. Made from 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre brought up mostly in concrete tanks, its purple color is accompanied by loads of blackberries, dried spices, earth, new saddle leather, and garrigue. It s a rich, full-bodied, concentrated 2016 that s going to keep for years or more. The more modern-styled 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Feminessance sports a deep purple color as well as copious amounts of black raspberries, sweet oak, Christmas spice, and licorice. More backward, powerful, and tannic than normal, it nevertheless has remarkable purity of fruit. Give bottles 3-4 years of bottle age and enjoy over the following The blend is equal parts Grenache and Syrah aged in 50% new and 50% used barrels. The greatest wine ever made at this address is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 57

58 Pape Le Lien, which is 100% Grenache from the Brusquières and Terres Blanches lieux-dits that was destemmed and brought up all in tank. It offers a huge bouquet of spring flowers, seaweed wrappers, Christmas spice, garrigue, black cherries and black currants. Deep, rich, powerful and layered, with a weightless texture and perfect integration of its fruit, tannins, and acidity, it s a Grenache lover s dream. Drink this elixir any time over the coming years. Made from mostly Grenache (there s 15% Syrah), the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Camso is a fresh, balanced, medium-bodied effort that has attractive cherry fruits intermixed with plenty of roasted herbs and licorice aromas and flavors. Drink it over the coming 3-5 years. Leading off the 2017 barrel samples, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée des Deux Soeurs offers lots of dark fruits and peppery, olive, underbrush aromatics, full-bodied richness, and a surprisingly concentrated, powerful style on the palate. Drink this classic, meaty, traditional Châteauneufdu-Pape over the coming decade or more. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Lion shows more elegance as well as terrific, traditional notes of black raspberries, Asian spices, licorice, and spring flowers. With full body, silky tannins, and good acidity, it s a more than promising barrel sample that s going to be worth your time and money. The blend of the 2017 is 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre brought up 80% in concrete tanks and 20% in old barrels. DOMAINE TOURBILLON DOMAINE TOURBILLON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CONFIDENTIEL BLANC NA WHITE 92 DOMAINE TOURBILLON 2016 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE DU GRAND PERE NA RED 89 DOMAINE TOURBILLON 2016 COTES DU RHONE VILLAGES PLAN DE DIEU QUERELLE DE CLOCHERS NA RED 90 DOMAINE TOURBILLON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VIEILLES VIGNES $35 RED 92 The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Confidentiel Blanc is another terrific white from this vintage that over-delivers. Both fresh and rich, with vibrant notes of citrus blossom, buttered lemons, and mint, this beauty has bright acidity and good concentration. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Moving to the reds, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée du Grand Père (65% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre) offers traditional, peppery notes of garrigue, new saddle leather, and assorted red and black fruits. Drink this complex, layered, rock-solid Côtes du Rhône over the coming 3-5 years. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu Querelle de Clochers is darker and meatier, with medium to full body, beautiful concentration, and loads of dark fruits and minerality. It s more structured and will keep for 5-7 years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes is made from 60% Grenache, 15% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and other permitted varieties. It was partially destemmed and spent 18 months in a mix of concrete, foudre, and barrels. Tons of peppery herbs, incense, lavender, cured meats, and both black cherry and currant notes all emerge from this classic Medium to full-bodied, rounded, and both voluptuous and elegant, drink it anytime over the coming decade. DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 91 DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 92 DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 LIRAC NA RED 94 DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DE MON AIEUL NA RED 100 DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE DES DEUX FRERES NA RED 100 DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NOT FOR YOU NA RED DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 VIN DE FRANCE L UNIQUE NA RED DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 LIRAC NA RED DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE PIERRE USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE DE MON AIEUL NA RED When you consider what this estate has accomplished over the past two decades, it s easy to include Domaine Pierre Usseglio as not only one of the top addresses in Châteauneuf-du-Pape but in all of France as well. They have been on a sensational roll since 1998 and have yet to put a foot wrong. And that s apparent with these latest 2016s, which I believe are the best wines ever produced here. In addition to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases, the estate makes a fabulous Côtes du Rhône and Lirac, both of which over-deliver. Leading off the wines of this great estate, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is primarily Clairette mixed with small amounts of Grenache Blanc and Bourboulenc, brought up 80% in tank and 20% in older barrels. This fresh, v brant white gives up lots of salinity as well as notes of crushed citrus, leafy herbs, and an undeniable minerality. Medium-bodied, racy, and v brant, it s an outstanding white. Drink it over the coming 4-6 years. Moving to the reds and brought up all in tank, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône sports a deep ruby color to go with a smoking bouquet of kirsch and blackberry liqueur, spice, and garrigue. Textured, medium to full-bodied, pure and elegant, with fine tannin, it s the quality of many a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Don t miss this sexy, ripe, yet elegant red. The 2016 Lirac checks in as 70% Grenache and the rest Mourvèdre, Syrah, and other permitted varieties, with the Mourvèdre and Syrah brought up mostly in demi-muids. Blackberries, garrigue, peppery herbs, licorice, and earth characteristics give way to a full-bodied, pure, elegant, beautifully textured 2016 that has remarkable purity and length. It s one of the finest Liracs out there. The classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in at around 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and a splash of Cinsault. This rock star traditional cuvée gives up loads of black licorice, garrigue, black raspberries, and kirsch liqueur. It s powerful and full-bodied, yet elegant and seamless, with fine tannin, no hard edges, and a great finish. Despite the richness and weight, it stays weightless and elegant, with silky tannin. Don t miss it. Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet v brant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It s more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It s a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It s a gorgeous wine and tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks. A deeper, darker color compared to the Mon Aïeul, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du- Pape Reserve des Deux Freres is also 100% Grenache that was completely destemmed and brought up all in wood, with 20% being new. This cuvée is always a cellar selection of the best lots in the cellar. Crème de cassis, blackberries, white flowers, candle wax, cured meats, street market and spice nuances all soar from the glass of this awesome wine. Deep, incredibly full-bodied, and powerful, yet also light on its feet and graceful, with elegant tannin, it s an extraordinary wine that s going to benefit from short-term cellaring and cruise for two decades. The same wine as the Mon Aïeul release yet still aging in a single 300-liter barrel, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Not For You offers an extraordinary bouquet of kirsch liqueur, cured meats, white flowers, and spice. It s deep, fullbodied, awesomely concentrated yet incred bly elegant, with a weightless texture. Seeming to have one foot in the past and one in the future, it s a barrel sample that couldn t be any better. The 2017 Vin de France L Unique is a mix of the Vin de France and Côtes du Rhône bottlings. It offers a rock-solid bouquet of black cherries, spice, leafy herbs, pepper, and earth. Medium-bodied, deep, nicely concentrated, textured, and with ample character, it has loads to love and is a total charmer. A blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, aged 50% in demi-muids, the 2017 Lirac offers a classic darker fruited, black cherry, earth, and licorice-driven bouquet. This carries to a medium to fullbodied Lirac that has ripe tannins and a balanced, pure, elegant style that s already a joy to drink. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape includes slightly less Grenache than normal due to the dismal yields and is a rough blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault that was 60% destemmed and aging 80% in foudre. It s more elegant than the 2016 and has a medium to fullbodied, balanced, classic style as well as outstanding notes of black cherries, dried herbs, loamy soil, licorice, and pepper. It will keep for years. While there won t be a Reserve des Deux Freres in 2017 due to the miserable yields, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a head-turner that s going to vie for one of the wines of the vintage. Coming from three parcels and 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was brought up in used demi-muids, this killer wine boasts a deep purple color to go with a huge nose of black cherries, blackberries, crushed violets, licorice, and damp earth/forest floor notes. With a rare purity of fruit, full body, building structure, and a great, great finish, it s truly a gorgeous wine. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 58

59 DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 93 DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PURE ROUSSANNE NA WHITE 94 DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 COTES DU RHONE LES ARGILES NA RED 87 DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 COTES DU RHONE LES CLAUX NA RED 90 DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE GIRARD NA RED 93+ DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE IMPERIALE NA RED 97+ DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES APOTRES NA RED 94 DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA PARTE DES ANGES NA RED 96 DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE IMPERIALE NA RED DOMAINE RAYMOND USSEGLIO & FILS 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LA PARTE DES ANGES NA RED While the domaine of Raymond Usseglio has sat in the shadow of Domaine Pierre Usseglio in the past, that is changing under the helm of the young Stéphane Usseglio and the estate is making singular, world-class wines today. They have a new state of the art cellar located on the northern edge of the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and pull from around 45 acres of vines, mostly in the center and northern part of the appellation. From this, they produce a number of cuvées, yet the core is the traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape, based on 80-90% Grenache and the balance Mourvèdre, the La Parte des Anges, based primarily on Mourvèdre, and the Cuvée Imperiale, based on tank-aged old vine Grenache. They have a Cuvée Girard which is basically a tweaked version of the traditional cuvée and have introduced a new Les Apotres cuvée, an amphora-raised blend of all the permitted varieties. Bottom line, the estate is making beautiful wines. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is close to an even split of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Roussanne, with 10% Bourboulenc. It offers a minerallaced, v brant style as well as lots of caramelized lime, spice, and crushed rocks. It s going to evolve for a decade or more, although there s no need to hold off. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Pure Roussanne is even better. Barrel fermented and aged in one-third new oak, it boasts a vivid color as well as lots of white peach, caramelized citrus, brioche, and white flowers in a rich, medium to full-bodied style. It s tight and closed on the palate and needs a year of bottle age. Moving to the reds, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Argiles is made from Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault and was brought up in concrete tanks and foudre. Meaty black cherries, olive, licorice, and earthy notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, chewy, rustic effort that s a solid drink. Better, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Les Claux is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre and offers a textbook Southern Rhône perfume of peppery garrigue, spice, and assorted red and black fruits. It s medium-bodied, si ky, and incredibly elegant on the palate and should be a terrific value. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in as mostly Grenache (there s 10% Mourvèdre) raised in concrete tanks. This classic 2016 has abundant black raspberry and black cherry fruit, notes of garrigue, pepper, and spice, medium to full body, and a layered, balanced style on the palate. It s another sensational classic cuvée from this vintage. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Girard is a custom cuvée made by the importer that includes slightly older vines. It s similar to the traditional cuvée only slightly darker, more mineral-laced and full-bodied. It will also be longer lived. The flagship is the Grenache-dominated 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Imperiale, which comes from vines planted in 1902 and was destemmed and aged in concrete tanks. Awesome notes of blackberries, blueberries, crushed rocks, violets, and graphite all emerge from this tight, full-bodied, concentrated and backward Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Possessing incred ble purity of fruit, a concentrated yet fresh, structured profile, and a huge finish, it just needs time to shine. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Apotres incorporates all thirteen varieties and was co-fermented and aged in amphora. It s a beautiful, singular cuvée that has complex notes of kirsch, black raspberries, garrigue, and flowers. Opulent, full-bodied, and always elegant and pure, it s a wonderful example of the 2016 vintage. The Mourvèdre-dominated 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Parte des Anges got a few Wows in the notes and is a rich, powerful 2016 that boasts a blockbuster bouquet of blackcurrants, white flowers, candle wax, and cured meats. It has integrated its oak élevage wonderfully since I tasted it last year and is pure Southern Rhône goodness today. Give this full-bodied, concentrated, yet expansive and opulent effort 2-4 years of bottle aged and drink it over the following years. Showing the charming, sunny style of the vintage, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du- Pape reminds me of the 2003 with its sexy, full-bodied, opulent style. Darker fruits, garrigue, and peppery notes all emerge from this balanced, layered, character-filled red that s going to drink nicely for a decade or more. I loved the elegance and purity of the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Imperiale. This old vine Grenache cuvée has awesome notes of blueberries, blackberries, graphite, and crushed violets. With remarkable purity of fruit, full body, ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish, I expect it to put on weight over the course of its élevage. It will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and shine for over a decade. Lastly, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Parte des Anges is the same blend/élevage as the 2016 and sports a deep, inky color as well as notes of raspberries, blackberries, spicy oak, candle wax, and cured meats. This wine always shows plenty of oak during its élevage yet absorbs it beautifully once in bottle. Give this medium to full-bodied, balanced years of bottle age and drink it over the following decade. CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES VIEILLES ROUSSANNES $84 WHITE 94 CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC CLOS DU BELVÉDÈRE NA WHITE 89+? CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $55 RED 91 CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AMIRAL G. $120 RED 99 CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE L AVENUE $120 RED 97+ CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VAL DE DIEU $90 RED 95+ CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $55 RED CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE VAL DE DIEU $90 RED CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE L AVENUE $120 RED CHATEAU DE VAUDIEU 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE AMIRAL G. $120 RED Located just across the hill from Rayas, Chateau de Vaudieu continues to make a ripe, sexy, quasi-modern style of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They release a number of cuvées, most of which of small parcel releases intended to highlight a specific terroir. These are powerful, rich wines that never lose their sense of balance and purity. Of the two whites, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Vieilles Roussannes appears the be the clear winner in Brioche, caramelized apples, spice, and ample citrus notes all flow to a full-bodied, powerful, yet beautifully elegant Roussanne that will benefit from a year or two of bottle age. While good, I found the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Clos du Belvédère to be lean and firm, with sublet brioche and stemmy notes, lots of green citrus, medium body, and a clipped finish. Made from 100% Grenache Blanc brought up in barrel, it lacks the depth and richness that this cuvée normally shows. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a great nose of garrigue, black raspberries, spice, exotic flowers, and orange peel. With medium to fullbodied, present yet sweet tannin, and a great finish, drink this balanced beauty over the coming decade. The blend is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, aged one year in mix of old barrels and concrete tanks. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G. is based all on Grenache and comes from a single plot of very old Grenache vines (all rolled stone soils) that was destemmed and brought up in demi-muids. Just screaming Grenache! JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 59

60 at the top of its lungs with its sweet bouquet of black raspberries, candied violets, baking spices, and crushed rock-like minerality, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness and density, a weightless texture, no hard edges, and awesome length. It s a sensational, borderline perfect wine that has everything you want from a bottle of wine. Give it a year or three, and it s going to cruise for 15+. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L Avenue is all Grenache sourced from a single parcel near the estate and aged 18 months in demi-muids. This deeply colored beauty boasts a huge perfume of black raspberries, blackberries, dried flowers, bouquet garni, and sandy/loamy soil notes. With a powerful, concentrated, structured style, incredible purity of fruit, and tons of tannin on the finish, hide bottles for 3-5 years, count yourself lucky, and enjoy over the following decade or more. A great vintage for this cuvée (and the region as a whole), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu is 64% Grenache, 28% Syrah, and the balance Mourvèdre, all brought up in demi-muids. Fabulous notes of garrigue, new saddle leather, graphite, and assorted sweet red (and some black) fruits give way to a full-bodied, ripe, powerful wine that has remarkable elegance and purity. It s already approachable yet will unquestionably benefit from short-term cellaring and shine for a decade or more. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a solid effort that shows the charming yet elegant style of the vintage nicely. Black raspberries, kirsch, peach pit, and violet notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, sweetly fruited, charming and classic wine from this estate. Deeper, inky-colored, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Val de Dieu (66% Grenache and 34% Syrah) is also medium to full-bodied and has an elegant, balanced profile. Revealing abundant notes of black raspberries, toasted spices, candied flowers, and graphite, it doesn t have the density of the 2016 yet is pure, si ky, and just incred bly polished. This cuvée is brought up in 34% new barrels, but other than just a hint of graphite, you wouldn t know it. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape L Avenue shows more acidity as well as medium to full body, a clean, pure, elegant texture, and complex notes of blackberries, black cherries, rose petals, and sappy spring flowers. Based on 100% Grenache brought up in demi-muids, this lively 2017 is going to put on weight over the course of its élevage, and I suspect benefit from short-term cellaring. The star of the show in 2017 is the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Amiral G., which is as always 100% Grenache from the pebbly soils next to the estate brought up in demi-muids. Exotic notes of blood orange, dried flowers, spice, black raspberries, and blackcurrants all emerge from this ripe, sexy, downright flamboyant beauty that has sweet tannins and a rocking finish. It s as Grenache as Grenache gets. VIDAL FLEURY VIDAL FLEURY 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 91 A terrific effort from this Northern Rhône-based estate, the 2016 Châteauneufdu-Pape (85% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and the rest Mourvèdre) has traditional notes of pipe tobacco, peppery herbs, black cherries, and blackberries. It s ripe, concentrated, and balanced, and well worth seeking out. DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE DAUMEN 2016 VAUCLUSE PRINCIPAUTE D ORANGE NA RED 87 DAUMEN 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 90 DAUMEN 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2016 COTES DU RHONE LIEU-DIT CLAVIN NA RED 94 DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES TROIS SOURCES NA RED 98 DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES HAUTS-LIEUX NA RED 99 DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE NA RED 100 DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2017 COTES DU RHONE LIEU-DIT CLAVIN NA RED DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE SAINT FRANCOIS NA RED DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES TROIS SOURCES NA RED DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES HAUTS-LIEUX NA RED DOMAINE DE LA VIEILLE JULIENNE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE RESERVE NA RED Vieille Julienne s Jean-Paul Daumen is unquestionably one of the most talented winemakers in all of France. Since taking over the domaine in 1990, the estate has gone from strength to strength, and the list of truly extraordinary wines from this small terroir located on the northern edge of Châteauneuf-du-Pape is mind-boggling. And there are no secrets; Jean- Paul focuses first and foremost on his vineyards, which are all farmed organically and sustainably, minuscule yields, no SO 2 during vinification, aging in neutral foudres and tank, and bottling unfined and unfiltered. The result is a naked, raw expression of this magical terroir and old vines. Speaking about the 2016 vintage, Jean-Paul called it an enormous vintage, comparing it to 2001 yet with a style all its own, and commented that the wines were powerful yet also delicate. I can t disagree, and the Châteauneuf-du-Papes across the board are monumental wines. You don t have to splurge for the Reserve cuvée either, since the Les Trois Sources and Haut-Lieux releases are both extraordinary wines. I ve also included the Daumen releases here, which can be thought of as super-negociant wines where Jean-Paul is directly involved with all aspects of the vineyards and winemaking. In short, there are few wines I d rather have on my table than those from Jean-Paul Daumen! Readers looking for a great bistro or midweek drinker could do much worse than the 2016 Vaucluse Principauté d Orange, released under the Daumen label. Based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault, from vines just north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it has a pepper, earth, darker fruited bouquet, medium body, and a ripe, gulpable style ideal for near-term drinking. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône comes from vines near the estate and a small parcel in Boislauzon. It s a charming, classy Côtes du Rhône that has classic blackberry, ground pepper, bouquet garni and some violet/floral notes with air. Medium-bodied, silky and elegant on the palate, this classic wine from Jean-Paul has real character. Not yet bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a beauty that gives more than a glimpse of the quality at this estate. Blackberries, black raspberries, spice, violets, licorice, earth, and forest floor notes all give way to a medium-bodied, rounded, sexy Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has fine tannin and a great finish. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Lieu-Dit Clavin comes from vines right around the estate and is always a sensational wine. The 2016 offers notes of blackberries, ground herbs, licorice, and crushed violets. Medium to fullbodied and incred bly well balanced, with serious length, it s another winner. It s going to keep for two decades. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Trois Sources is straight-up sensational and isn t far off the more expensive Reserve cuvée in style and quality. Huge notes of blackcurrants, black raspberries, crushed violets, licorice, and incredible minerality, as well as a smoking floral quality, all soar from the glass of this full-bodied, seamless, pure wine that readers should snatch up. With good acidity, awesome purity, and a great, great finish, it s an incred ble wine any way you look at it. Drink it anytime over the coming two decades or more. A true wow wine, the deep, concentrated 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts-Lieux (there s 20% Mourvèdre) offers awesome notes of blackcurrants, smoked meats, graphite, crushed rocks, and licorice. Extraordinarily concentrated, perfectly balanced, structured, and long, it s another sensational wine from this estate. It needs 4-5 years of bottle age and will cruise for after that. A modern-day legend in the making is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve from Jean-Paul Daumen, one of the greatest young wines I ve ever tasted. This Grenache-dominated effort was brought up all in foudre and tastes l ke the essence of this incredible terroir located on the northern edge of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Deep purple-colored, with an intoxicating bouquet of black raspberries, crushed herbs, black licorice, spring flowers, and spice, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, multidimensional texture, a huge mid-palate, and a finish that goes on for over a minute. Not far off the style of the Les Trois Sources, yet with another level of concentration, it has a certain access bility yet won t be at its best for another 4-5 years, but it will keep for another two decades or more. From a hot, dry year, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Lieu-Dit Clavin comes from old Grenache vines planted in the sandy/clay around the estate, which are just a stone s throw from where the Châteauneuf-du-Papes come from. One of the best Côtes du Rhône in just about every vintage, this beauty offers a rounded, sexy, medium to full-bodied style as well as terrific notes of blackberries, violets, and licorice. I love its purity, it shows more and more floral character with time in the glass and is going to be a great wine that will keep for years. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Saint Francois is a new cuvée that comes from a newly purchased parcel of vines located in the heart of Jean- Paul s estate, next to the Les Trois Sources vines. Jean-Paul vinified this JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 60

61 vintage but didn t have control of the farming, so he s opted to bottle this wine on its own as an educational experiment to understand the new vines. This will be moved into the Les Trois Sources cuvée at some point in the future. This 2017 is unquestionably an outstanding wine and has classic black licorice and violet characteristics (which is what I think of as the hallmark of this estate) as well as beautiful dark fruits and a gravely minerality. Medium to full-bodied, textured, and structured, it should keep for years. Showing beautifully (this cuvée always shows well in its youth), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Trois Sources offers a full-bodied, ultra-sexy style as well as big perfume of black raspberries, blueberries, black licorice and crushed flowers. It has ultra-fine tannins, no hard edges, and an elegant, seamless style that just begs to be drunk. The inkier colored 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Hauts-Lieux comes from slightly higher elevation vines and includes more Mourvèdre. It s always the tighter, more backward, concentrated wine compared to the Les Trois Sources and offers classic dark fruits, scorched earth and graphite aromas and flavors. Concentrated, full-bodied, and dense, it s going to be one of the few 2017s that will demand cellaring. Despite the dismal yields, Jean-Paul commented that Grenache was great in 2017, and the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve certainly gives weight to that comment. This deep purple-colored beauty has a singular bouquet similar to the 2016 and offers awesome notes of grated licorice, graphite, crushed flowers, black raspberries, and cassis. Possessing more mid-palate density and depth than just about every other wine in the vintage, with building tannin and gorgeous purity, it s not far off the 2016, and I guarantee it will be one of the best wines of this terrific vintage. vieillejulienne.com VIEUX DONJON VIEUX DONJON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 98 VIEUX DONJON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED Domaine Vieux Donjon is another reference point estate for classic, traditionally made Châteauneuf-du-Pape. These rich, powerful wines are simply loaded with Provençal aromas and flavors of meaty black fruits, spice, and garrigue. Traditional Châteauneuf-du-Pape rarely gets better. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is unquestionably the greatest wine made from this estate to date and surpasses the 1998, 2007, and Checking in as a normal blend of 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault, it offers a heavenly bouquet of blackcurrants, ground pepper, new saddle leather, garrigue, and an assortment of exotic spices. Deep, full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, yet with the purity, elegance, and finesse that makes this vintage so special, it can be drunk any time over the coming two decades or more. Bravo! The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape won t match the 2016, yet nevertheless, it s a beautiful, elegant, classic wine. Garrigue, pepper, assorted dark fruits, and lavender notes all emerge from this balanced, medium to full-bodied effort that shines for its purity and elegance. It will come into its own with just short-term cellaring and keep for years. No website found. DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 95 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2017 VAUCLUSE LE PIGEOULET BLANC NA WHITE 88 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2016 VAUCLUSE LE PIGEOULET NA RED 88 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2016 VENTOUX MEGAPHONE NA RED 91 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TELEGRAMME NA RED 92 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PIEDLONG NA RED 94 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 97 DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2017 VAUCLUSE LE PIGEOULET NA RED DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2017 VENTOUX MEGAPHONE NA RED DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE TELEGRAMME NA RED DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE PIEDLONG NA RED DOMAINE DU VIEUX TELEGRAPHE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED LA ROQUETE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE 95 LA ROQUETE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE BLANC NA WHITE Domaine du Vieux Télégraphe is one of the old-guard estates in Châteauneufdu-Pape, and the Brunier brothers continue to make a very classic, age-worthy, and uncompromising style of wine that requires bottle age. The estate is in the eastern portion of the appellation and has a whopping 150 acres of prime terroir, almost all located in the famed La Crau lieu-dit, which is one of the warmer, earlier terroirs in the region. In addition to their reds, they also make a brilliant white. I ve also included the La Roquete releases here, which are also made by this team. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is always more straight, focused, and chiseled than the La Roquete. Lemon curd, white flowers, salty minerality, and ample licorice notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, beautifully balanced white. Give it a few years. Made from Grenache Blanc, Clairette and Roussanne (one-third each) and brought up all on foudre, the 2017 Vaucluse Le Pigeoulet Blanc sports a medium gold color as well as a beautiful perfume of white flowers, tart citrus, hints of white peach, and salty minerality. It has plenty of texture, good acidity, and will be a screaming by-the-glass wine. Brought up all in wood, one-third in foudre and the rest in demi-muid and barrels, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is mostly Clairette with the balance Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Bourboulenc. It offers lots of lemon and melon fruits, white flowers, toasted brioche, and honeysuckle aromas, medium to full body, beautiful purity of fruit, moderate acidity, and a layered, rich, textured style. It s going to flesh out beautifully with time in the cellar and keep for two decades. Bottled in October of last year, the 2016 Vaucluse Le Pigeoulet offers a rounded, sexy, yet pure style as well as lots of cherries and darker berry fruits, hints of underbrush and pepper, medium body, and a great finish. It s another terrific quaffer that has loads of charm Also bottled in October of last year, the 2016 Ventoux Megaphone is slightly more focused as well as tannic, which is always the difference between these two cuvées. Black raspberries, peppery garrigue, ample minerality, and a certain saltiness all flow to a medium-bodied, focused, character-filled wine that has loads to love. Bottled in April (which is always earlier than the other two Châteauneuf-du- Papes from this estate), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme has real depth and richness as well as terrific notes of black raspberries, crushed rocks, salty, licorice, pepper, crushed flowers, and toasted spices. Medium to full-bodied, balanced, with plenty of tannins hiding under its fruit, it s an ideal wine for readers looking to see a hint of the style of this estate. It will keep for over a decade as well. Always brought up in foudre, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Piedlong comes from the pebbly soils of the Piélong lieu-dit located in the heart of the appellation. Incorporating 10% Mourvèdre, its medium ruby color is followed by a complex, layered, beautifully Grenache that has lots of savory red fruits, dried strawberries, dried earth, spice, and licorice aromas and flavors. It s medium to full-bodied, beautifully balanced, and long. Bottled just last week, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers a classic, gorgeous bouquet of black raspberries, currants, violets, salty minerality, nori (seaweed wrapper) and licorice. Full-bodied, pure, incredibly elegant, with fine tannin, and a huge finish, this is classic Vieux Télégraphe all the way that has the balance to drink now. Brought up in foudre, the 2017 Vaucluse Le Pigeoulet is a mix of mostly Grenache (there s a good chunk of Carignan). It sees a long maceration and is handled with the same care this estate puts into their Châteauneuf-du-Papes. It offers real character and elegance as well as ample black cherry, blackberries, peppery herbs, and loamy soil aromas and flavors. It will keep for 4-6 years and is a terrific value. A mix of Grenache and Syrah, the 2017 Ventoux Megaphone offers more depth and richness, as well as structure, over the Pigeoulet. Black raspberries, garrigue, crushed rocks/salty minerality, and licorice notes all flow to a mediumbodied, ripe, concentrated wine that has good acidity, notable tannins, and a good finish. It s going to benefit from 6-12 months of bottle, and while I don t see any need to age this beyond that, I wouldn t be surprised to see this keep for upward of a decade. JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 61

62 Vinified and aged in tronconique tanks, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Télégramme (it s the classic blend but slightly shifted toward the Mourvèdre) offers a rich, concentrated, structured style that over the past 5-10 years has shown more depth, elegance, and structure. Black raspberries, white flowers, graphite, garrigue, and mineral notes all give way to a medium to full-bodied, layered, beautifully textured 2017 that has fine tannin, plenty of depth, and a good finish. A wine that sees plenty of stems and a big chunk of Mourvèdre, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Piedlong comes from the Piélong lieu-dit and is mostly Grenache with around 10% of Mourvèdre. It offers a classic Grenache bouquet of raspberries, flowers, and spice, with an almost Rayas-like floral quality. Medium to full-bodied, structured, and tannic, yet balanced and light on its feet, it s a beautiful wine that shines for its elegance and finesse. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is another elegant, floral example from this vintage. Black raspberries, red currants, peppery garrigue, tons of minerality, and a seaweed note that I always find in this cuvée gives way to a rich, medium to full-bodied, balanced, structured wine that has everything in the right places. With good acidity, ripe, present tannin, and plenty of length, it will need 3-5 years of cellaring and keep for years. The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc from Domaine La Roquète is a ripe, powerful wine. Pear, orchard fruits, spice, toasted brioche, plenty of minerality, medium to full body, good acidity, and plenty of salinity all make for a beautiful white that s going to shine on the dinner table. It should also last for years. Brought up all in demi-muid (it normally sees some barrique), the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is one-third each of Grenache Blanc, Clairette, and Roussanne. It has a beautiful bouquet of melon, pineapple, spices, toasted almonds, and caramelized peach. It s rich, exotic, has a rounded, beautifully textured mouthfeel, and a great finish. VIGNOBLES & COMPAGNIE VIGNOBLES & COMPAGNIE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE LES GRANGES DES PAPES NA RED 89 VIGNOBLES & COMPAGNIE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE $30 RED 90 The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Granges des Papes is a solid wine from this estate based on 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah brought up in 20% new oak. This total charmer gives up ample red fruits, spice box, and peppery garrigue. With good acidity and a layered, enjoyable feel, it s ideal for drinking over the coming 6-8 years. Black cherries, spice box, earth, and some chocolate notes all emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vignobles & Compagnie. It s medium to full-bodied, ripe, balanced, and has ample charm and elegance. Made from 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah, brought up all in new barrels, it s going to keep for a good 8-10 years. DOMAINE DE VILLENEUVE DOMAINE DE VILLENEUVE 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED 93 DOMAINE DE VILLENEUVE 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE NA RED Deep ruby colored, with plenty of stemmy peppery notes in its darker fruits, garrigue and new saddle leather notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is ripe, concentrated, and powerful, with tons of character, no hard edges, and ripe, present tannin. It s a classic wine. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is similar in style, with perfumed red fruits, peppery herbs, and spice as well as a charming, elegant, classic style. It will drink well on release and keep for 7-9 years. The blend of the 2017 is 70% Grenache, 16% Mourvèdre, 8% Syrah, and the balance Cinsault and Clairette, brought up all in concrete tanks. XAVIER VIGNON XAVIER VIGNON 2016 COTES DU RHONE ESPRIT FRANCAIS CUVEE CANCAN NA RED 93+ XAVIER VIGNON 2017 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE 100% NA RED XAVIER VIGNON 2010 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ARCANE LE PAPE NA RED 95 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 COTES DU RHONE NA RED 90 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE 100% NA RED 91 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED 93 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE XAVIER NA RED 92 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE XV NA RED 94 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE ANONYME NA RED 95+ XAVIER VIGNON 2016 COTES DU RHONE ESPRIT FRANCAIS NA RED 92 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE ESPIRT FRANCAIS NA RED 94 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 COTES DU RHONE ARCANE VI LES AMOUREUX NA RED 94+ XAVIER VIGNON 2016 GIGONDAS ARCANE L HERMITE NA RED 94 XAVIER VIGNON 2017 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE JEUNES VIGNES NA RED XAVIER VIGNON 2017 COTES DU RHONE XAVIER NA RED XAVIER VIGNON 2017 COTES DU RHONE CUVEE VIEILLES VIGNES NA RED XAVIER VIGNON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE XAVIER NA RED XAVIER VIGNON 2017 CHATEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE CUVEE ANONYME NA RED XAVIER VIGNON 2015 COTES DU RHONE S M NA RED 92 XAVIER VIGNON 2016 COTES DU RHONE S M NA RED 94 Xavier Vignon is one of the top oenologists in the Southern Rhône and releases a bevy of outstanding wines under his own label. A blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and the rest Syrah, Cinsault, and Counoise, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Esprit Français Cuvée Cancan offers a deeper, denser, more masculine personality. Black fruits, smoked earth, black olive, and gravelly minerality all give way to a big, rich, concentrated wine that has building tannin, a big mid-palate, and fine, elegant, yet certainly present tannin. Give it a few years. More graphite, new saddle leather, blackberries, and cassis emerge from the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée 100%. It s concentrated, medium to fullbodied, and beautifully textured. This cuvée is a Grenache-dominated blend (there are small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre) raised all in concrete. A 100% Grenache sourced from numerous terroirs in the appellation, the 2010 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Arcane Le Pape offers a lovely bouquet of blackberries, saddle leather, garrigue, and forest floor. Medium to full-bodied, elegant and si ky, it s still tight and backward on the palate, with good acidity, building tannin, and a great finish. It s going to hit prime time in 2-3 years and keep for a decade. The 2016 Côtes du Rhône is a winner. Blackberries, flowers, violets, hints of pepper all give way to a fresh, yet rich, beautifully textured red that has fine tannin and the purity of fruit that s common in the vintage. Brought up in tank, demi-muids, and some smaller barrels (only one-third in wood), the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée 100% is another fresh, lively wine from this estate. Black raspberries, scorched earth, lavender, and cured meat notes as well as lots of pepper all flow to a medium to full-bodied, fresh, elegant red that has good acidity, beautiful purity, and a great finish. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years. A blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault and Syrah, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Vieilles Vignes offers a gorgeous bouquet of cassis, blueberries, lavender, cured meats, and graphite. It s deep, rich, medium to full-bodied, and has a great finish. The Mourvèdre keeps this tight and fresh, and I suspect it will age beautifully. Mostly Grenache, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Xavier comes from all the terroirs of the region. Its deep ruby color is followed by a complex, elegant red that has medium to full body, good acidity, and classic notes of garrigue, leather, underbrush, and ripe red and black fruits. It s a beautifully textured, elegant, and balanced effort to drink over the coming decade. A blend of equal parts Mourvèdre (from the northern part of the appellation) JebDunnuck.com LE MILLISEME The 2016s from the Southern Rhône (Part 1) Page 62

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