2017 Janasse Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes

The 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Vieilles Vignes looks as if it will be a worthy successor to the awesome 2015 and 2016 bottlings. From tank, the Grenache shows lovely cherry-berry fruit, ample weight and richness and a long, silky finish, while the Mourvèdre from a new oak barrel stood up to the wood well, offering more red fruits, less alcohol and hints of toast and baking spices.  Wine Advocate 96-98

Deeper ruby/purple-colored, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Vieilles Vignes includes slightly less Grenache than normal and is 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, and the rest a mix of permitted varieties. It offers more blackberry, cassis, peppery herbs, and crushed rocks, with a beautiful sense of minerality. Rich, full-bodied, concentrated and focused, it shows an elegant, vibrant side to the vintage yet still has the expected Janasse power and depth.  Jeb Dunnuck 95-97