La Bastide Saint Dominique Chateauneuf-du-Pape Secrets de Pignan 2017 (750ML)

95 JD / 94 DE / 93-95 WA 

Ripe, sexy notes of blueberries, black cherries, melted licorice, candied violets, and some loamy soil notes all flow to a powerful, ripe, opulent wine that has moderate acidity, ripe yet present tannins, and a great, great finish. This is one sexy Châteauneuf Du Pape that's already drinking nicely.-Jeb Dunnuck

Sourced from south-facing vines approaching 100 years of age, grown on sand in the northern part of lieu-dit Pignan. The fruit is all destemmed and fermented, then aged in stainless steel for 18 months. The nose is a little closed at the time of tasting, with some herbal strawberry notes, no artifice. The palate is soft and yielding, with somewhat unstructured strawberry eau-de-vie and thyme flavours, despite ample tannins on the finish. The alcohol might be high, but this has the seductive purity of Châteauneuf fruit. Naturalistic.-Decanter

All Grenache, all stainless steel, all pleasure, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Secrets de Pignan comes from the Pignan (Nord) lieu-dit. It couldn't be more different from the domaine's regular cuvée, boasting bright cherries and stone fruit up front, then a wonderfully full, lush mouthfeel and a long, silky finish. It should drink well for at least a decade.--JC, The Wine Advocate