Chateauneuf-du-Pape, La Crau de Ma Mere 2017ess obviously ahead of the Clos du Calvaire than it was last year out of foudre, the 2017 Chateauneuf du Pape la Crau de Ma Mere still delivers almost embryonic waves of fruitcherries, raspberries and blueberries. Full bodied, supple and silky, with a long, slightly briny finish, it comes across as a bit simple because of its youth. If it develops additional complexity in bottle, my rating may look stingy. Country Region: Cotes du Rhone, France Grape

20% Cabernet Franc and 12% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 20 months in 80% new and 20% one-year-old barrels

wild blueberries

The 2014 Leoville-Las Cases is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon

espresso and Indian spices

matured in 60% new oak and delivering 13% alcohol

The palate is medium-bodied with a slightly savory opening

very earthy/savory and beautifully layered with very plush yet present tannins

stewed plums and blackcurrant pastilles before giving way to notions of potpourri

then the picking team stopped

concentrated and mouth coating finish that manages to remain impeccably well-balanced

The palate has a well balanced entry that displays fine weight in the mouth

2022 - 2055