Not yet bottled, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is cut from the same cloth as the 2016 yet has a slightly more sunny, sexy style. Kirsch, peppery garrigue, and lavender notes all emerge from the glass, and it's medium to full-bodied, has tons of character, ripe tannins, and the balance to evolve for over a decade.

Darker and plummier than the 2016, Guigal's 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape is another fine effort from this quality-conscious négociant. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety in texture, with notes of cola, dark chocolate and prune plums that linger on the silky finish.

Show a slightly old school persona, with lots of singed alder, garrigue and leather accents leading the way, while the core of red currant and bitter cherry fruit follows from behind. The long finish has nice grain, with dried fruit and herb notes partnering until the end. Drink now through 2030. 18,000 cases made, 1,200 cases imported.