2016 Chateauneuf du Pape

Deep brilliant violet. Intensely perfumed aromas of ripe cherry, blackberry, candied violet, spicecake, garrigue and exotic spices, along with a smoky mineral overtone that builds in the glass. Stains the palate with deeply concentrated red and dark berry liqueur, fruitcake, licorice pastille and lavender flavors that possess a compelling blend of richness and energy. The mineral note comes back strong on a strikingly long, penetrating finish shaped by velvety, steadily mounting tannins. This is the best example of this venerable domaine's work that I can recall drinking in its infancy, and it may measure up to their legendary 1959 and 1961 bottlings, which I first tried back in the late 1980s.

Showing similar to last year, the 2016 Châteauneuf Du Pape offers a classic bouquet of black raspberries, garrigue, and spice box, with a touch of minerality. It’s more rounded, fleshy, and layered than the more concentrated 2017, has plenty of upfront appeal, and will keep for 15+ years. Château Mont-Redon appears to be on an upward trajectory due to the management and passion of the young Pierre Fabre, who has recently taken over management of this large, historic estate. In addition to their classic Châteauneuf du Pape, which comes from a selection of the three terroirs of the domaine, they’ve begun releasing a Le Plateau cuvée starting in 2016 which comes exclusively from the upper Mont-Redon plateau and pebbly soils. This special cuvée is 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah and is brought up in a mix of barrels, some being new. Pierre commented that he felt 2017 was one of the greatest vintage ever for the estate, and while the wines are still in barrel, it’s hard to argue with him. In addition to the Châteauneuf du Pape releases, the estate also releases several Côtes du Rhônes, a red and white Lirac, and a Gigondas. It’s important for readers to understand that wines labeled “Reserve” come from a mix of estate and non-estate fruit, while the Château releases are all estate fruit.

Somehow, I missed getting a note on the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape last year, but since the 2015 seems to be the current release in the United States, let's hope this is still of some value to prospective purchasers. It's a solid effort, featuring scents and flavors of cherries, leather and dried spices. Full-bodied, silky and clean, it goes down easily now, but it should last a decade or more. As usual, it's about 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 10% mixed varieties (mainly Mourvèdre).