Domaine L'Abbe Dine Chateauneuf du Pape 2017

Gorgeous whiffs of strawberry jam, dried fig, granite and crushed pepper introduce this voluminous blend of Grenache (90%), Syrah (8%) and Mourvèdre (2%). Delicate in mouthfeel and lifted by a fresh, mineral crush, it's a beautiful expression of the appellation's safre, or sandy, soils. Soft, silken tannins accentuate its fine-textured appeal. Lovely in youth but should improve through 2030 and hold longer still.

Bright ruby. Ripe dark berries, cola and a hint of licorice on the deeply perfumed nose. In a broad, fleshy style, showing good heft and appealing sweetness to the juicy blackberry and cherry pie flavors, which take a spicy turn on the back half. Finishes long and smooth, with harmonious tannins lending subtle grip.

The saturated purple-colored 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape checks in as a blend of 90% with the balance Syrah and Mourvèdre, brought up all in stainless steel. It's a ripe, concentrated effort that has upfront notes of blackberries, currants, ground pepper, and earth. Medium-bodied, supple, nicely textured, and balanced, it drops off on the finish yet is nevertheless a pure, balanced, thoroughly enjoyable red.