2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard

More complex and nuanced as well as powerful, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Boisrenard is a field blend (two-thirds Grenache and the rest a mix of varieties) that spent 18 months in a combination of older barrels, new barrels, and foudre. Its deep purple/ruby color is followed by a sensational perfume of blackberries, black raspberries, Asian spices, and graphite. With full-bodied richness, building tannin, remarkable purity, and a huge finish, it's going to rival the 2001 as the best vintage to date. You should have this in your cellar. Brothers Daniel and Frederic Coulon continue to keep this estate near the top of the hierarchy in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. They produce two whites and two reds from their roughly 80 acres of vines with both the classic red and white seeing traditional vinifications and élevages, and the top red and white Boisrenard cuvées seeing a touch of new oak in their élevage. All the wines show classic characters and shine more for their balance and purity than sheer opulence and power. Despite this, the 2016s are unquestionably the most powerful and concentrated wines from this estate since their incredible 2001s.

Just like the regular cuvée, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Boisrenard includes all 18 of the appellation's permitted varieties, although it's mostly (66%) Grenache Noir. Strawberries and raspberries shine on the nose, followed by a full-bodied palate that's creamy-silky and lush but also bright, lively and long. It's a super effort, at what should be a realistic price.

Brilliant violet. A sexy, expansive nose evokes smoke-accented dark berries, candied licorice and a hint of potpourri. Sappy, well-delineated black and blue fruit preserve flavors show vibrant mineral lift and no rough edges. In an ample but surprisingly energetic style, finishing sweet, floral and extremely long and revealing just a whisper of fine-grained tannins.