Domaine des Sénéchaux : Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017

Domaine Sénéchaux has turned out a lovely 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Pencil shavings accent mixed red and black cherries on the nose, adding hints of baking spices and vanilla. It's a Blend of 48% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 22% Mourvèdre, aged mainly in foudres, with some barrels mixed in, and 10% staying in concrete tanks. Full-bodied, supple, ripe and intense, it's modern in style and hits all the marks yet retains a sense of restraint. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent results.

Mulled plum and blackberry flavors glide along, laced with hints of licorice root, dark tobacco and warm earth. Stays velvety in feel through the finish, with the earthy notes echoing longest. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault and Vaccarèse. Drink now through 2027. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 7,500 cases made, 500 cases imported.

This is a plump, hedonistic blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre that pulsates with luscious strawberry, raspberry and fig flavors. It's a sultry, supple sip marked with just a hint of leather and edged by fine, velveteen tannins. While it welcomes with open arms already, it should drink beautifully through 2030.

Medium bodied, refined, elegant, soft and fresh, with spicy red fruits on the palate and juicy, bright kirsch in the soft, elegant, earthy finish. The wine is made 48% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 22% Mourvedre.

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as 48% Grenache, 30% Syrah, and 22% Mourvèdre brought up largely in foudres, with small amounts in old barrels and concrete tanks. Deeply colored (more so than normal) with powerful notes of blackberries, currants, ground pepper, leafy herbs, and hints of seaweed wrappers (think sushi wrappers), it hits the palate with a full-bodied concentrated, powerful style that carries polished tannins, ample fruit, and a great finish. Marking a subtle shift in style here, this red will benefit from 3-4 years of bottle age.