94+

Joe Czerwinski

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

For some inexplicable reason, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Prestige failed to live up to my lofty expectations from last year. Perhaps it is just in a closed state after bottling? It's a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre and 5% other permitted varieties that seems more subdued than the Reserve, although it does have some of the same floral and black cherry notes. It's full-bodied, creamy and rich, with a long, velvety finish that carries hints of chocolate and licorice. Tasted twice (once blind), with consistent notes. 08/2019

96

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

Including more Syrah, the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Prestige is 70% Grenache 20% Mourvèdre, and the rest Mourvèdre and other permitted varieties. While it’s brought up mostly in foudre, it has 10% in demi-muids and 30% in cuve tronconique. With thrilling purity of fruit, notes of black raspberries, blackberries, ground pepper, garrigue, and a distinct sense of minerality, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, ripe, sweet tannins, a beautifully opulent texture, and a great finish. It's another rock star of a 2017 from superstar winemaker Didier Negron. 08/2019