2016 Chateauneuf du Pape

I appear to have underestimated the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape when I tasted it last year, perhaps because of its recent bottling. It's now showing more weight and richness, bold raspberry and cherry fruit alongside classic spice-box notes and a broad, expansive feel on the palate.

As to the red, rocking levels of kirsch, black raspberries, toasted spices, and garrigue emerge from the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It's full-bodied, concentrated, pure and elegant, with sweet tannin, and an opulent, flamboyant style. Based largely on Grenache, with smaller amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre, it has fine tannin, impeccable balance, and a great finish. Along with the 2010, it’s the finest wine to date from this estate. This estate was taken over by the Caze family (of Lynch-Bages in Bordeaux) in 2006, and the quality has soared over the past decade.