2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois comes from a site on the eastern side of the appellation and, like its bigger brother, is 100% destemmed Grenache that saw 21 months in concrete tanks. Blueberries, crème de cassis, crushed rocks, licorice, and pepper notes all emerge from this deep, powerful, surprisingly structured example of this cuvée. It has tons of fat and richness, but give bottles a few years. Michel Chapoutier’s lineup continues to grow, and this report looks at his Alleno and Viola collaborations as well as the By Michel Chapoutier releases. Looking at the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Papes presented, these are unquestionably some of the most opulent and concentrated wines I’ve ever tasted from the estate, and they have lots of similarities to the 2007s. The 2017s, which were tasted from barrel, show a similar sexy style and are not far from the 2016s.

Not yet bottled, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois looks to be the star of Chapoutier's Southern Rhône collection. Cracked pepper, licorice and black raspberry notes sing loudly in this full-bodied, supple, creamy-textured beauty. There's a hint of warmth on the lingering, mouthwatering finish, which may limit its ageability, but this is so sexy and lush now, who could resist?