Chateauneuf du Pape les Gallimardes Domaine Giraud 2017 (750ML)

95 Points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator: "Juicy in feel, with a compact, well-built core of blackberry, black currant and plum paste flavors, infused liberally with licorice snap and apple wood notes. A tarry hint underscores the finish, though the fruit stays dominant and driven throughout. Very solid. Best from 2021 through 2038. From France." 9/19

95 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, jebdunnuck.com: "The two special cuvées are some of the gems in the vintage. The 2017 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Gallimardes comes from one of the great sites in the southern part of the appellation and is just about all Grenache (there's some very old vine Syrah, which struggles in this hot terroir). While not up to the out of this world 2016, it has a beautiful bouquet of cassis, kirsch liqueur, black raspberries, garrigue, and peppery herbs. Deep, full-bodied, and powerful on the palate, it has ultra-fine tannins as well as loads of character. It's going to drink brilliantly for 15 years or more." 8/19