Chapoutier Croix de Bois Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2017

Wineadvocate

Another 100% Grenache CdP, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois hints at garrigue on the nose, then eases into a dense, compact ball of dark fruit. Concentrated and tannic, this looks as if it will need five years or more to slowly unfurl its dense layers of dark berries, black olives, licorice and tea.

Dunnuck

More blackberry, blueberry, violets, ground pepper, and flowers emerge from the 2017 Châteauneuf Du Pape Croix De Bois, which is also all Grenache brought up in concrete. It's full-bodied, deep, seriously concentrated, has ample tannins, and a huge finish. This is another brilliant Grenache from Chapoutier that delivers everything you could want from the variety. Surprisingly, it’s less approachable than the Barbe Rac (which is normally the more structured wine) and will benefit from 4-5 years of bottle age.