2016 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Cut from the same cloth as the 2017, only broader and more expansive, the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape ranks with the finest vintages ever produced from this estate. Deep purple-colored with a sensational bouquet of blackberries, currants, ground pepper, crushed violets, and Asian spices, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a layered, multi-dimension texture, incredible elegance, sweet tannins, and a great, great finish. It’s a thrilling wine from a great winemaker. Drink it any time over the coming 20-25 years. Under the helm of Laurent Charvin, Domaine Charvin remains one of the undisputed reference points for classic, traditional, elegantly styled Châteauneuf du Pape today. The style of the wines comes largely from the estate’s location in the cooler, northern parts of the appellation but the consistent quality, year after year, comes from the incredible talent and work ethic of Laurent.

Based on a prospective blend tasted blind, Charvin's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape looks promising. A blend of 82% Grenache, 5% each Mourvèdre and Syrah and 4% each Counoise and Vaccarèse, it offers lovely aromas of roses, tea leaves and raspberries that lead into a full-bodied wine. It's creamy on the mid-palate, then shows some stemmy notes and increased astringency on the long, minty finish. If it comes together after bottling the way the 2015 did, it should perform at or above the high end of my score range.