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

Dark ruby. Spice- and herb-accented red and blue fruit and floral scents show fine clarity and minerally lift. Sappy raspberry and boysenberry flavors smoothly blend depth and energy and show no rough edges. The floral and spice notes drive a persistent finish that features smooth tannins and a strong whiplash of juicy red fruit.

All the 2017s from this estate are brilliant wines, and the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape should be purchased by the case. It offers a ripe, sexy style as well as complex notes of ripe red and black currants, graphite, melted licorice, and incense. With ripe tannins and a layered, elegant texture, it's a terrific example of the style of the vintage and will keep for 10-15 years

With slightly more pronounced tannins than most vintages, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape should be set aside for a year or two and then consumed over the following decade. It offers fresh, vibrant blackberry and blueberry flavors, a full-bodied, velvety-textured palate and a long, tannic finish tinged with orange zest.