La Part des Anges Châteauneuf du Pape 2017

A Mourvèdre-based wine, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape la Part des Anges also includes 20% Grenache and 10% Syrah. It's aged mostly in wood, so it's a bit more approachable young than the Cuvée Imperiale, combining hints of pencil shavings with roasted plum on the nose. It's velvety and plush without being overly modern, finishing long and mouthwatering.

The 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Part Des Anges checks in as a blend of 70% Mourvèdre, 20% Grenache and 10% Syrah that was brought up in 80% new French oak. It's certainly the most modern-styled wine in the lineup, yet it never loses its Southern Rhône soul, showing loads of red and black currants, blueberries, crushed violets, charred meats, and subtle background oak. Rich and medium to full-bodied, it's very much in the fresher, more pure, focused style of this estate, with terrific concentration, ripe tannins, and a great finish. I suspect it will shut down hard with 2-3 years of bottle age, so either try one right away or don't touch bottles for 6-7 years.