2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cotes Capelan

Bright ruby. Intense red fruit liqueur and floral pastille aromas are complemented by Asian spice and smoky mineral notes that gain power as the wine opens up. Sappy and impressively concentrated but energetic as well, offering palate-caressing black raspberry and cherry compote flavors that pick up hints of allspice and cola on the back half. Combines richness and elegance with a sure hand and finishes extremely long and lively; harmonious tannins sneak in to add shape and grip.

80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah. Cask sample. Some varnish aromas on the nose make this less pure than their Vendange 2016. The fruit seems a bit suppressed and understated too, somehow. (RH)

Based on 80% Grenache and 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, partially destemmed and aged in old barrel, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Capelan is going to be another blockbuster from this estate. Cassis, roasted plums, licorice and roasted herbs all flow to a massive, rich, full-bodied, unctuous beauty that has serious depth and richness. With sweet tannin, beautiful purity, it's a sensational effort that’s going to have two decades of longevity.