2016 Clos des Papes, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rouge 6x75cl

Wine Advocate 97+

“The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is full-bodied but balanced, with plenty of richness and concentration but also a certain paradoxical lightness. It offers complex garrigue and anise notes, a blend of cherry and raspberry fruit, a silky texture and a long finish that shows no sign of the wine’s 15.8% alcohol. For technocrats, the wine’s pH is 3.7, which is sufficient acidity to maintain a fine sense of balance. This lovely wine should drink well for at least two decades. Together with the 2015 and the 2017, it will be a compelling trio of wines to follow over the years.” [Joe Czerwinski, 31/08/2018]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2040

JancisRobinson.com 17.5+

Several different cask samples tasted at the domaine. Sample 1: 84% Grenache, 13% Mourvedre, 1% Syrah, 1% Counoise. Rich succulent, refined red fruit with milk chocolate and herbs and a juicy, refreshing finish. ‘Too rich for me,’ according to winemaker Vincent Avril. Sample 2: 46% Syrah, 38% Grenache, 13% Mourvedre, 3% Counoise. Meaty, smoky nose with gorgeous pepper character. Succulent, fragrance, perfumed, sophisticated – would make the northern Rhone jealous! Sample 3: 55% Grenache, 38% Mourvedre, 7% Vaccarese, Muscardin and Counoise. Wonderful herbal note, blackcurrant fruit, peppercorns and chocolate. Dry but ripe tannin. Energy and clarity – and somehow so dainty. Sample 4: 50% Grenache, 25% Mourvedre, 25% Syrah. More closed on the nose than sample 3, but so gorgeous on the palate – fibrous, lengthy, fresh. Smoked meat to finish. Expert balance. Sample 5 – possible final blend: 55% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah, plus Muscardin, Counoise and Vaccarese. Succulent, fine, ripe red fruit with a shot of blackcurrant and spiciness. Tannin like rubbed breadcrumbs – so fine. Not at all overblown – a lovely thing. (RH) [10/10/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2020-2047