2016 Chateauneuf du Pape La Gardine

Moving to the Chateau de la Gardine releases and starting with the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, it offers a fresh, vibrant, focused style. Black cherries, blackberries, charred earth and garrigue notes give way to a medium to full-bodied, balanced, classic wine from this estate that's going to hit primetime with 3-5 years of bottle age and keep for a decade.

Not yet bottled, La Gardine's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape looks extremely promising. Jammy cherry and raspberry notes lead the way in this full-bodied, creamy-textured beauty. Aside from a hint of confection, it's on point, finishing ripe, supple and layered. It's the best wine I can remember trying from this estate.

Brilliant ruby-red. A lively, mineral-accented bouquet evokes ripe red and dark berries and lavender, and a spicy note builds with air. Smooth and gently sweet, offering concentrated raspberry and cherry flavors that deepen steadily on the back half. Shows very good depth and closes sappy and long, displaying subtle tannins and a sexy floral pastille flourish.