2016 Chateauneuf du Pape
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Tasting notes
Moving to the reds, the classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a deeply colored, fruit-forward effort that just oozes Southern Rhône charm. Blackcurrants, smoked beef, exotic spices and loads of street market-like characteristic all emerge from the glass, and it has plenty of density, sweet tannins, and a great finish. Mostly Grenache mixed with 15% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah (there’s a small amount of Cinsault), aged in foudre and tank, drink it anytime over the coming 10-15 years.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
With terrific performances the last two vintages, this domaine has become one to watch. The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a classic blend of 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault, aged in a combination of stainless steel tanks and foudres. Full-bodied, rich, concentrated and long, it boasts savory notes of tar, black olive and brined meat layered over plummy fruit. It should drink well for 10-15 years.
Ruby-red. Aromas of fresh cherry, raspberry and candied lavender; peppery spice and blood orange qualities emerge with air. Silky and focused on the palate, offering ripe red and blue fruit and spicecake flavors that are given lift by juicy acidity and a hint of white pepper. Gentle, fine-grained tannins come in late, giving shape to a long, nervy finish.
65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% Cinsault. Reductive nose with a sulphurous, rubbery overtone. Better fruit purity on the palate, though that acrid rubbery note lingers. The low score here reflects the reality of this sample – it may well improve once bottled. (RH)
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Product details
Grenache/ Garnacha , Syrah / Shiraz, Mourvedre/Monastrell/Mataro, Cinsault
Red
Dry