2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Prestige

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Prestige checks in as 75% Grenache and the balance mostly Syrah and smaller parts of other permitted varieties. Crème de cassis, olive tapenade, smoked herbs, and licorice notes all emerge from this remarkably pure, seamless, gorgeously refined and elegant Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It shows slightly more Syrah character, has a multi-dimensional texture, and a layered, elegant style that just begs to be drunk. It can be drunk today or cellared for 15 years or more. I continue to love the wines from Didier Negron at Roger Sabon, yet I always feel they’re underappreciated in the market. While they can certainly be big, rich wines (especially the Secret des Sabon), these are always classic, elegant wines that have beautiful Provençal charm. There are four Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases: the entry level Les Olivets (first made in 1955) from younger vines and completely destemmed; the Cuvée Reserve from a single vineyard and 70-80% Grenache, and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged in foudre and oak tanks; the Cuvée Prestige based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest mostly Mourvèdre that’s aged in foudre, oak tanks, and demi-muids; and the smallest production cuvée (there’s normally just 100 cases produced), the Le Secret des Sabon based mostly on Grenache. The estate has made beautiful wines in both 2016 and 2017.