2016 Domaine Saint-Préfert Châteauneuf-du-Pape Auguste Favier Reserve

Brilliant ruby-red. Highly expressive, mineral- and spice-accented aromas of ripe red berries and incense show superb definition, and complementary hints of blood orange and candied lavender build in the glass. Shows impressive depth and energetic lift on the palate, offering powerful red currant, cherry preserve and floral pastille flavors and a suggestion of spicecake. Finishes with a snap of juicy acidity, building sweetness and silky tannins that lend shape to a strikingly long, red-fruit- and floral-dominated finish.

A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Cinsault, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier boasts enchanting floral aromas, intoxicating raspberry and cherry fruit and enthralling hints of Swiss cocoa. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it nevertheless comes across as fresh and nearly weightless. The use of stems (the wine is all whole bunches) and an elevated proportion of Cinsault has certainly contributed to this wine's soaring aromas and sense of freshness. It's a fascinating wine.