Deeply colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blend of 37% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and other permitted varieties. With classic notes of currants, ripe black cherries, new saddle leather, and peppery herbs, it's rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a pure, focused style that's going to age gracefully for 15-20 years. It's one of the finest classical cuvées I can remember.

Creamy textured plum and raspberry sauce notes glide through, flecked with black tea and pastis flavors and framed by a subtle apple wood hint. Flattering in feel, but shows latent cut and drive, so there's no rush. Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. Best from 2020 through 2034. 12,000 cases made, 2,500 cases imported.

Blackberry and black-cherry flavors are opulent in this rich, ample-bodied wine. It's intensely fleshy in fruit character but muted by hints of earth and savory spice as well as a whisper of violet. Ripe, finely woven tannins accentuate the immediate appeal but should structure the wine well through 2028.