Xavier Vignon Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvée Anonyme 2017

Tasted from barrel, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Anonyme adds toasty notes, cedar and vanilla to the whirlwind of fruit Vignon was able to harness in 2017. Blueberries, black cherries and stone fruit notes abound in this plush, full-bodied red that remains silky and focused on the long finish. It looks to be a terrific effort.

A wine that's going to compete with the 2015 and 2016, the 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Anonyme sports a deep purple color as well as a balanced, elegant, full-bodied, sexy personality that's already hard to resist. It has loads of dark fruits, peppery herbs, and violet notes, fine tannin, no hard edges, and sensational balance. It’s going to be approachable on release yet also evolve gracefully.