2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Olivets

Made from 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, and 10% Cinsault, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Olivets is a winner in this great vintage. Blackcurrants, black olives, licorice, and peppery notes all flow to a ripe, sexy, opulent Châteauneuf-du-Pape that has terrific purity, ripe tannin, and a great finish. It's a no-brainer purchase. I continue to love the wines from Didier Negron at Roger Sabon, yet I always feel they’re underappreciated in the market. While they can certainly be big, rich wines (especially the Secret des Sabon), these are always classic, elegant wines that have beautiful Provençal charm. There are four Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases: the entry level Les Olivets (first made in 1955) from younger vines and completely destemmed; the Cuvée Reserve from a single vineyard and 70-80% Grenache, and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre, aged in foudre and oak tanks; the Cuvée Prestige based on 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and the rest mostly Mourvèdre that’s aged in foudre, oak tanks, and demi-muids; and the smallest production cuvée (there’s normally just 100 cases produced), the Le Secret des Sabon based mostly on Grenache. The estate has made beautiful wines in both 2016 and 2017.

Tasted blind, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape les Olivets shows gorgeous aromas of purple raspberries and garrigue. Full-bodied and even a bit chewy, it picks up hints of mocha and licorice on the long finish. It's a blend of 80% Grenache and 10% each Cinsault and Syrah, matured in foudres and oak vats.

Bright violet. Ripe red berries and hints of musky earth and cola on the mineral-accented nose. Raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show good clarity, silky texture and a hint of white pepper that builds steadily as the wine opens up. The subtly sweet finish repeats the red fruit note while supple tannins add shape and gentle grip.