2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes

The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee des Cadettes is showing a bit more oak than the 2015 did last year, but I also tasted it a couple of months earlier in its evolution, so I expect the wine will continue to soak up the wood as it goes forward. Right now, the blend of 52% Grenache, 38% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre is toasty and cedary, marked by vanilla and baking spices. Some cola and dark berry notes emerge with airing, and it appears that the wine has the requisite weight and richness to carry the 28% new barriques used in its élevage. Give it another couple of years and drink it over the next two decades.

Deep lurid ruby. Intense red fruit preserve and floral pastille aromas develop suggestions of exotic spices, vanilla and woodsmoke in the glass. Sappy and deeply concentrated yet energetic as well, offering palate-staining blackberry and cherry compote flavors that are given spine and focus by a core of juicy acidity. Conveys a suave combination of richness and elegance and finishes extremely long and sweet; supple tannins sneak in slowly to add framework and grip.

52% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 18% Syrah. Cask sample. Upfront oak spice on the nose but sumptuous bramble fruit matches it on the palate, giving a generous, full-bodied and delicious mouthful. Fine tannin with good persistence and excellent flavour definition. (RH)