Château Sixtine Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2017

The only 2017 presented was the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Château Sixtine, which checks in as a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 20% Mourvèdre that spent a year in a mix of barrels, roughly 5% being new. Its deep purple hue gives way to a monster nose of pure black fruits, cured meat, pot roast-like nuances, and hints of chocolate. It's ripe, plush, and expansive on the palate, with full-bodied richness as well as sweet, polished tannins. With fabulous purity of fruit, no hard edges, and a great, great finish, this is unquestionably up with the finest vintages to date.

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is generously extracted and colored and has a rich, full-bodied feel on the palate. Scents of cola and cedar mark the nose, framing black cherries and dark chocolate. It's velvety and plush on the long, oaky finish, giving it a sense of approachability despite the size and weight.