2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve des Celestins

I loved this cuvée from barrel in 2017, and the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape Cuvee Celestins certainly impresses from bottle today. Purchased while I was in the Rhône, it offers a liquid Provence-like vibe in its garrigue-laced red and black fruits, candied flowers, pepper, saddle leather, and who knows what else aromatics. Rich, powerful, and concentrated on the palate, it brings serious ripeness, sweet tannins, and a slightly lifted, exotic style that opens up beautifully with time in the glass. It will evolve for over two decades. With the passing of Henri Bonneau in 2016, this estate today is managed by Henri’s son, Marcel, who’s assisted by Régis Charmasson with the vineyard management and winemaking.