2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Chaupin

Bright-rimmed magenta. Highly expressive red and blue fruit preserve aromas are complicated by hints of candied lavender, exotic spices and smoky minerals. Juicy black raspberry, boysenberry and spicecake flavors show superb concentration and appealing sweetness, and an undercurrent of minerality provides support. Delivers a compelling blend of power and finesse and finishes with gentle tannic grip, a strong suggestion of sweet blue fruit and fabulous persistence.

Smoky, fleshy and flashy, the wine is filled with layers of polished, perfectly, ripe, juicy sweet, fresh, vibrant, peppery plums and cherries. Full bodied, lush and rich, this is just great now and is only going to get better with age! The wine is made using 100% old vine Grenache.

The terrific 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Chaupin has lived up to my expectations from last year's visit. It's 100% Grenache, includes some parcels planted back in 1912, and half was vinified with stems. From sandy sites, it showcases the ability of Grenache to ripen fully yet retain a sense of elegance and lightness. It's full-bodied and velvety but also vibrant, with black cherry fruit and hints of chocolate balanced by incredibly silky tannins and freshness on the finish. Really impressive stuff.