Clos Des Papes   Chateauneuf du Pape

2016 Chateauneuf du Pape

By Clos Des Papes

2016 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos Des Papes, Rhone

Charismatic and compelling, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos Des Papes tinseled with the magic of the Rhone region in the capable hands of its vintner, is a captivating symphony of bright fruit and diligent earthiness.

 

An investable masterstroke from Clos Des Papes

The producer, Clos Des Papes, is renowned for exacting standards and deep reverence for terroir. This approach led to a marvelous triumph in 2016, offering confident wine investors a veritable exemplar of Chateauneuf du Pape. Their talents not only shine in the vineyard but also resonate within the expertly blended wine.

The indisputable allure of this 2016 vintage lies in its poised balance and visceral expressivity. There's an engaging dance here between the predominantly Grenache-driven lush, dark berry notes, and the pragmatic nuances of Mourvèdre and Syrah that invigorate with spicy vibrancy.

 

Echoes of the 2016 season

The gift of 2016 was a special one. Mild spring was followed by a generous summer that allowed longer hang time for grapes. The result? A wine layered with integrated tannins and tantalizing acidity - a true testimony to climatic benevolence.

The Rhone region has been gifted with an exceptional vintage year; the attention to detail by Clos Des Papes certainly paid off when nature played such a pleasing hand.

Like the brush strokes of an adept artist, layers of classic herbs de Provence, kirsch, black raspberry merge with hints of underbrush and licorice. With further exploration, notes of blackcurrant and cacao expose themselves, adding another level of decadence to this remarkable wine.

The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape from Clos Des Papes is enticingly dynamic, echoing the rich canon of southern Rhone and capturing the vibrancy of the vintage. It builds anticipation with every sip, masterfully delivering a crescendo of flavour that underscores its status as a wise and sound investment for discerning collectors.

Current market price

$1,570.00

12x75cl

Highest score

97

POP score

55.88

Scores and tasting notes

97

The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is full-bodied but balanced, with plenty of richness and concentration but also a certain paradoxical lightness. It offers complex garrigue and anise notes, a blend of cherry and raspberry fruit, a silky texture and a long finish that shows no sign of the wine's 15.8% alcohol. For technocrats, the wine's pH is 3.7, which is sufficient acidity to maintain a fine sense of balance. This lovely wine should drink well for at least two decades. Together with the 2015 and the 2017, it will be a compelling trio of wines to follow over the years.

Joe Czerwinski - The Wine Advocate, 31 August 2018

Vintage performance