2016 Chateauneuf du Pape

Bottled in March, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (80% Grenache) was brought up in a mix of concrete (mostly) and foudre. It gives up sensational notes of kirsch liqueur, white flowers, graphite, candle wax, and spice. This rich, full-bodied, yet seamless Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a powerful, balanced style that's going to keep for 15-20 years. It's a gorgeous wine. Brilliant wines emerge from this estate located in the northern part of Châteauneuf-du-Pape which is run with incredible talent and passion by Sophie Armenier. They produce a terrific Côtes du Rhône and Lirac as well as the top Châteauneuf-du-Papes, and their white is increasingly up with the crème de la crème of the vintage.

The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 85% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Syrah, aged predominantly in concrete and foudre. Biodynamically farmed and traditionally made, it reached 15.5% alcohol, which shows a bit in the wine's size and slight warmth. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety, with bold black cherry fruit, hints of clove and cola and a long, savory-spicy finish. I'd opt for drinking it over the next 6-7 years.

Brilliant red. Highly perfumed red fruit liqueur, potpourri and Moroccan spice scents show impressive vivacity and focus. Sappy, alluringly sweet and precise, offering palate-staining raspberry and floral pastille flavors and a hint of spicecake. Closes very long and smooth, displaying excellent focus, even tannins and emphatic, floral-tinged persistence.