Châteauneuf du Pape 2017

In the same mold, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape offers lots of plum and darker fruits intermixed with pepper, stemmy/herbal notes, and damp earth. Based on 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% each of Mourvèdre and Cinsault, it has good concentration, medium to full body, and plenty of tannins. Jeb Dunnuck (8/28/2018)

(casks/vat, bottling June 2019) sober dark red robe. The nose reflects the degree of the vintage, on kirsch, floral notes with cooked or stewed plums, very Grenache-centric it is. It’s a bald start, lacks furrows of intrigue. The palate is sipping wine, with a stone fruit, red cherry, raspberry liqueur flavour, mild tannins following. This lacks real structure. It has an aromatic side, is smooth in texture, but lacks relief in its delivery. 15.7°. 12,000 b. 80% Gren, 10% Syr, 5% Mourv, 5% Cins. €22. From late – 2020.2036-38 (October 2018)

Châteauneuf du Pape 2016

Full-bodied, rich and tannic, Mont Thabor’s 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is dark and plummy, with plenty of ripeness, weight and extraction. This prebottling sample did show some bruised fruit and lifted aromas, hence my hesitance to go all in on it. Assuming those problems are limited to the sample in question, the wine should be excellent and moderately age-worthy. Joe Czerwinski (31/08/2018)

Not yet bottled, the 2018 Châteauneuf-du-Pape sports a vivid purple/ruby to go with a ripe, opulent bouquet of black fruits, melted licorice, earth, and chocolate. Similarly styled on the palate, it’s a big, rich, full-bodied, chewy wine to drink over the coming decade. Jeb Dunnuck (8/28/2018)

(casks/vat) deep red colour. The bouquet is packed with blackberry fruit, a sense of black raisin and dark chocolate in behind. The palate bears ample matter, with a smooth glisten in the fruit and tannin, the tannins bringing extra depth and form to the closing stages. It has a rolling density, while the aftertaste has the vintage ease and lip smacking content, some late peppered notes lifting it. This will fill the glass well, and be enjoyed via its generosity. 15.8° . 10,000b . 80% Gren, 10% Syr, 5% Mourv, 5% Cins. €20. From late – 2019.2036-38 (October 2017)

Châteauneuf du Pape 2015

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape looks to be a rock-solid effort and might end up being outstanding. Made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre and Cinsault, it’s a medium to full-bodied, ripe, impressively textured red that has lots of kirsch and black raspberry fruits, white pepper and cedar aromas and flavors. It could be the best vintage to date from this estate, and quality is certainly on the uptick here. Jeb Dunnuck (October, 2016)

Decent red robe. The nose gives a soft air of blackberry with a stewed aspect to it, a smoke and prune alliance also, and hints of dried herbs such as thyme. This runs with expressive, up-tempo raspberry fruit which refreshes the palate, and leaves room for a second glass. Its freshness is a success, bringing a vibrancy. There is a menthol-mocha finish. Interesting, genuine.15.5° .10,000b . From mid-2018. 2032-34 (September 2016)

The 2015 Château Mont Thabor Châteauneuf du Pape is composed of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvèdre. It opens to aromas of cherries, raspberries, garrigue, liquorice and minerals all taking shape. Medium-bodied with lovely round texture which continues through the finish. (Best 2019-2026) – November, 2017 (JD)