Châteauneuf du Pape, Le Plateau, 2017

Mont-Redon has always been envied for its holdings on the Plateau of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, considered one of the greatest terroirs in the region. In 2016 owner Pierre Fabre decided to make a selection from the best spots within the Plateau for the first time, amounting to an 850 case production. It is made in the same way as the other wines, gently extracted, but with an extra six months in mainly oak barrels – 18 months in total. A special wine that deservedly sits among the region’s finest. 2017 is its second incarnation, a mighty impressive follow up to the 2016. The result of a mere 18hl/ha this is a brilliantly savoury style. Whilst there is clearly lots of concentration here, it is less dry and overbearing than the low yields might suggest, also a little less oaky than the 2016. Brilliantly judged, offering flavours of sandalwood, stone, garrigues, sage, dark berry and cherry fruit. Really complex, polished and assured. Stunning.