2016 Domaine Les Cailloux Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire

After gushing over this wine as a barrel sample when I tasted it blind prior to release, perhaps it was inevitable that a few years later the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Centenaire didn't quite live up to my original lofty expectations (98 - 100). Still youthful in hue, with no bricking, it's floral and spice-driven on the nose, with almost Campari-like notes, plus cherries and raspberries. Full-bodied, silky, long and remarkably complex, it's still a beautiful wine to drink over the next decade or so.

I continue to think the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Centenaire lags behind past great vintages of this cuvée, yet it’s nevertheless a beautiful wine. Coming all from the northern sector of the Farguerol lieu-dit in the northern part of the appellation and all Grenache that was partially destemmed and aged in a mix of concrete and demi-muids, it has a lighter ruby hue as well as a beautiful bouquet of ripe cherries, , kirsch, black tea, violets, honeysuckle, and licorice. Playing in the medium to full-bodied end of the spectrum, it’s seamless and elegant on the palate, with light tannins and beautiful balance, yet it lacks the depth, richness, and power of a top vintage. Drink this elegantly styled beauty over the coming two decades.

Shimmering magenta. Intensely perfumed red fruit, floral and spice qualities on the expressive nose, which takes on a lively mineral element as the wine opens up. Shows outstanding energy and sharp delineation to the sweet raspberry and cherry preserve, candied lavender, spicecake and cola flavors, which are supported by a spine of juicy acidity. Finishes extremely long and smooth, with fine-grained tannins lending shape to repeating red fruit and floral notes. There's something Burgundian, albeit ripe-year Burgundy, happening here that's extremely attractive. Raised in 70% concrete tanks and 30% demi-muids .