2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes
Buying options
Tasting notes
Deep ruby colored, with notes of black raspberries, spiced cherries, and dried flowers, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is medium-bodied, supple and elegant, with plenty to like. Drink it over the coming 7-8 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
A standout in my blind tastings, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape comes from a domaine heretofore unreviewed by this publication. Fermented and aged solely in concrete vats, it's essentially Grenache (there's 1% of other varieties mixed in) from sandy sites in some prestigious lieux-dits: La Crau, Le Cristia, La Guigasse, Le Pointu and Saint Georges. Subtle hints of cinnamon, clove and leather accent cherry fruit in this full-bodied, expansive, velvety wine. It's mouth coating and long on the finish, picking up lingering notes of garrigue and dried spices. Based on this effort, the brother-sister team of Frédéric and Caroline Charrier will be worthy of a second look when I'm next in the region.
About the producer
Domaine Font de Courtedune – for now, at least – is something of an insider’s secret. With vineyards right next door to Ch. Rayas, and sharing the same sandy soils, this tiny Châteauneuf-du-Pape estate produces outstanding wines that are a fraction of the price of those of its famous neighbour.
Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro
Red
Dry