M. Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape "Barbe Rac" 2016

Picked two weeks earlier than the historical norm, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is 100% old-vine Grenache from a warm subregion of the appellation. It boasts huge black cherry fruit and touches of garrigue, carried by a full-bodied, rich palate. This is tannic but ripe, with a long, long, long licorice-tinged finish. Yes, I wrote long three times in my original notes!

The sensational 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Barbe Rac comes from a sandy clay terroir located in the western portion of the appellation. A massive, deep, full-bodied wine, with a huge nose of blueberry liqueur, crushed rock, violets, and garrigue, it has no hard edges, a thick, unctuous texture, sweet tannin, and a finish that just won’t quit. It’s the greatest vintage of this wine ever made (surpassing the 2007) and will be a candidate for perfection in a few years and keep for 15-20 years.