Marcoux Chateauneuf du Pape 2017 (750ML)

94 VM / 93 WA / 93 JD

Shimmering ruby-red. A highly expressive bouquet evokes candied red and dark berries, cola, smoky minerals and licorice, and a sexy floral note builds as the wine opens up. Sappy, penetrating and pure, offering palate-staining black raspberry, cherry pie, blood orange and lavender pastille flavors that put on weight and turn spicier with air. Delivers a compelling blend of richness and delicacy and finishes spicy, focused and very long, leaving floral and red fruit preserve notes behind. Once again, this bottling is, perhaps, the top "basic" Châteauneuf of the year. JR – Vinous Media

Dark, rich and intense, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape nicely reflects the heat and dryness of the growing season. It's full-bodied and lush, with chocolaty overtones to the black cherry and licorice flavors. I'd give it until 2020, then drink it over the next 7-8 years. JC – The Wine Advocate

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape (90% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre) is a beauty that has ample richness and depth yet shows the elegant style of the estate. Kirsch, blackberries, ground herbs, garrigue, and licorice notes all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, silky red. It has plenty of upfront fruit, but it has the density and tannic grip of the vintage and is going to benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age to hit prime time. Jeb Dunnuck