Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf du Pape ''Vieilles Vignes'' 2017

95 pts Wine Advocate

Possessing more concentration and richness than the other Cristia cuvées, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes—sourced from 95-year-old Grenache vines in the Cristia lieu-dit—combines hints of cedar and vanilla from the barrels in which it matured with ripe raspberries and black cherries. Full-bodied and intensely flavored, it delivers those things without any sense of heaviness, remaining fresh, silky and elegant from boldly aromatic start to long, nuanced finish. Yum!

94 pts Vinous

Deep bright-rimmed ruby. Oak-spiced cherry and Chambord aromas are complemented by vanilla and incense qualities and a touch of smokiness. Sweet and fleshy in style, offering red fruit preserve, cherry-vanilla and spicecake flavors that steadily expand with air. In a lush, extroverted style, with a long, smooth finish that features resonating oak and floral notes and even tannins that are quickly absorbed by the wine's sweet red fruit.