E. Guigal Châteauneuf du Pape 2017

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.