CDP Le Vieux Donjon, Le Vieux Donjon (Lucien Michel) 2016

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is unquestionably the greatest wine made from this estate to date and surpasses the 1998, 2007, and 2010. Checking in as a normal blend of 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault, it offers a heavenly bouquet of blackcurrants, ground pepper, new saddle leather, garrigue, and an assortment of exotic spices. Deep, full-bodied, incredibly concentrated, yet with the purity, elegance, and finesse that makes this vintage so special, it can be drunk any time over the coming two decades or more. Bravo!

My favorite of the Vieux Donjons on this visit, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is outperforming its early showings. Dark-fruited and earthy, it's at the beginning of what will likely be two decades of drinkability. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it boasts great texture and ample length, plus some transfixing hints of licorice and fine suede on the finish.

A wine that’s going to be up with the finest vintage ever from this estate, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape (75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and the balance Cinsault) offers a southern Rhône smorgasbord of aromas and flavors including huge pepper, black raspberries, blackberries, new saddle leather and garrigue. Reminding me of the 1998 with its huge, full-bodied, unctuous texture and present tannin, it’s going to need 2-4 years of cellaring and keep for 15+.

The full-bodied 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a solid effort. Blueberry, cherry and garrigue notes mark the nose, while the palate is firm but silky, with a fine balance between ripeness and grip. I've seen some internet criticism of this estate for moving to a riper, more modern style, but I don't understand that—unless good cellar hygiene is now considered a problem in certain circles. This is a relatively traditional, balanced example of Châteauneuf, with spicy, savory elements combined with generous fruit. A blend of 75% Grenache, 10% each Mourvèdre and Syrah and 5% Cinsault that weighs in at 14.8% alcohol, this foudre-aged wine should drink well for a couple of decades. Drink Date 2020 - 2035