2015 Chateauneuf du Pape La Reserve

The 2015 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Réserve checks in as a classic blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Mourvèdre that was brought up all in 600-liter demi-muids. It has a perfumed, elegant, full-bodied style in its black raspberry, passion fruit, orange blossom and floral aromas and flavors. With gorgeous tannin, impeccable balance and solid freshness, it's reminiscent of the 2011 and ideal for drinking over the coming 10-15 years. Clos du Caillou, under the helm of the Vacheron family, with Bruno Gaspard as winemaker and Philippe Cambie as consultant, continues to release a bevy of brilliant Côtes du Rhônes and Châteauneuf du Papes. As I wrote last year, the style has shifted slightly towards the more elegant side of the spectrum and apparent with the 2015s, which at times had me wishing for slightly more density and breadth, especially with the top cuvees. Nevertheless, the wines are brilliant and the 2015 vintage as a whole is a more streamlined, elegant vintage. The 2016s appear to be a return to wines with more oomph, density, and depth, and I think are a clear step up.