2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Grenache de Pierre
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Tasting notes
Limpid ruby-red. A hugely complex bouquet evokes ripe red berries, Asian spices, smoky minerals and licorice, and a powerful floral accent builds steadily as the wine opens up. Stains the palate with appealingly sweet raspberry, cherry pie, spicecake and lavender pastille flavors that show a deft blend of richness and energy. Finishes extremely long, sweet and smooth, with harmonious tannins lending shape and gentle final grip.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeff Leve, The Wine Cellar Insider
More reviews and scores
Almost at the same quality level, yet very different in style, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenaches de Pierre is more classic as well as elegant. Awesome amounts of black raspberries, graphite, crushed rocks, violets, and spring flower notes emerge from the glass, and it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, perfect balance, plenty of tannins, and a more fresh, focused, oh so pure style. It’s going to merit a triple-digit score in 4-5 years and keep for two decades.
From the sandy soils of La Crau and Pignan, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Grenache de Pierre is a textbook example of the paradox that Grenache grown on sand can present, showing incredible concentration and power without weight. Cherry and raspberry notes pick up hints of citrus zest and briny notes on the long, silky, almost ethereal finish. This cuvée deserves to be mentioned among the top all-Grenache wines of the appellation.