2017 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Auguste Favier Rouge Famille Isabel Ferrando (St. Prefert)

Just about perfection in a glass, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier reveals a deep purple color as well as extraordinary notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, smoked meats, incense, and dried flowers. Always based on Grenache yet with 10-15% Cinsault, this full-bodied, deep, opulent Châteauneuf Du Pape tastes like the essence of Provence, is incredibly complex, has sweet tannins, and despite all its richness and depth, stays pure, fresh, and light on its feet. It's one of the finest vintages of this cuvée to date!

Bright violet. Ripe red berry, rose oil, Asian spice and incense scents, along with a smoky mineral nuance that builds slowly with air. Sappy, energetic and pure, offering palate-caressing raspberry preserve, cherry pie and floral pastille flavors that show a suave blend of depth and energy. Displays sharp delineation and floral lift on the impressively long, subtly tannic finish, which leaves behind notes of candied red berries and spicecake.

Silkier than either the regular cuvée or the Charles Giraud, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier delivers gentle spice notes of cinnamon, clove and allspice over ripe blackberries. Full-bodied, supple and long on the finish, it's a triumph of elegance in a vintage that leans more toward tannic force.