CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE "CUVEE SPECIALE" 2017

Parker review

From a parcel of Grenache in la Crau's sandy soils, the 2017 Cuvee Speciale is the pick of the lineup. Yes, there's hallmark cedar and vanilla touches, but once past those, there's incredible raspberry and kirsch flavors. Full-bodied, supple and creamy across the palate, it ends silky and long, with intense fruit coming through on the finish. 94-96/100.

Press

Antonio Galloni's Vinous.com: 93-94/100  Deep bright-rimmed violet. Deep-pitched red berry preserve, candied licorice and exotic spice aromas are lifted by a smoky mineral note that gains strength as the wine opens up. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering bitter cherry, black raspberry and fruitcake flavors and a touch of spicy white pepper. In a distinctly ample style but not at all lacking for energy. The impressively long, gently tannic finish shows no rough edges and leaves a sappy cherry liqueur note behind.

JebDunnuck.com:  95-97/100   The smallest production cuvée and almost all Grenache from the sandy parts of la Crau, the 2017 (100 year old vines!) gives up a huge nose of cassis, orange peel, spring flowers, and spice. It's full-bodied, incredibly pure, elegant, and silky, with no hard edges and remarkable purity. It's a killer wine and unquestionably one of the gems in the vintage.