2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac

The sensational 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac comes from a sandy clay terroir located in the western portion of the appellation. A massive, deep, full-bodied wine, with a huge nose of blueberry liqueur, crushed rock, violets, and garrigue, it has no hard edges, a thick, unctuous texture, sweet tannin, and a finish that just won’t quit. It’s the greatest vintage of this wine ever made (surpassing the 2007) and will be a candidate for perfection in a few years and keep for 15-20 years. Michel Chapoutier’s lineup continues to grow, and this report looks at his Alleno and Viola collaborations as well as the By Michel Chapoutier releases. Looking at the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Papes presented, these are unquestionably some of the most opulent and concentrated wines I’ve ever tasted from the estate, and they have lots of similarities to the 2007s. The 2017s, which were tasted from barrel, show a similar sexy style and are not far from the 2016s.

Picked two weeks earlier than the historical norm, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is 100% old-vine Grenache from a warm subregion of the appellation. It boasts huge black cherry fruit and touches of garrigue, carried by a full-bodied, rich palate. This is tannic but ripe, with a long, long, long licorice-tinged finish. Yes, I wrote long three times in my original notes!