2016 Domaine de Fontavin Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée David et Goliath
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Always the most modern, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape David Et Goliath (95% Grenache and 5% Syrah) gives up hints of barrique in its ripe blackberry, violets, cherries, spicy, earthy aromas and flavors. It's concentrated, has beautiful purity, and enough tannin to warrant 2-4 years of bottle age. Despite the slightly modern feel, it holds onto its Southern Rhône soul and has tons of character.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
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An impressive follow-up to the 2015 version, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape David et Goliath is full-bodied, creamy and plush, showing remarkable richness, length and purity, without excessive ripeness or weight. Cherry and peach fruit picks up hints of dried spices, thyme and bay leaf on the long finish. It's almost all old-vine Grenache, sourced from the rolled stones of the Les Saummades lieu-dit and aged in demi-muids.
Brilliant ruby. Ripe red and dark berries, peppery spices and a hint of garrigue on the powerful, mineral-accented nose. Supple, sweet and broad on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, lavender pastille and spicecake flavors that become more energetic with air. Powerful as well as lively, showing solid back-end thrust and velvety tannins that shape the floral-driven finish.