Chapelle St. Theodoric CdP Le Grand Pin 2016 (750ML)

96-98 WA / 95-97 JD / 93-95 VM / 95 WE

Like its stablemate La Guigasse, at this early stage, a few touches of green steaminess are still evident in the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Le Grand Pin. But it's also big, rich and lusty with awesome levels of fruit and yet virtually no heat or weight on the palate. It looks like a worthy successor to the 2015.

This joint venture between Baptiste Grangeon of Domaine de Cristia and American importer Peter Weygandt draws fruit from three hectares of land Weygandt owns in the La Guigasse and Rayas lieux-dits. The wines are 100% Grenache and vinified as whole clusters before being aged for 24 months in demi-muids. The 2015s were to be bottled on October 9th, just about one month after I tasted them. CZ – The Wine Advocate

Even better, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Le Grand Pin is as always 100% Grenache that will spend two years in demi-muids. Rayas-like notes of rose petals, strawberries, and Asian spices all flow to a full-bodied, incredibly silky 2016 that has a tight, vibrant, structured feel that’s going to require patience. Buy a case of this elixir, give bottles 3-4 years, and enjoy over the following two decades. It’s sensational juice! Jeb Dunnuck

Deep brilliant red. Ripe red berries, Asian spices and potpourri on the highly expressive, mineral-accented nose. Juicy, sharply focused raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show excellent precision and vivacity, and a hint of white pepper contributes cut. Steadily becomes sweeter on a clean, seamless and wonderfully persistent finish that's given shape by silky, harmonious tannins. - Josh Raynolds, Vinous Media

Crisp boysenberry and black cherry are edged by bramble and sun-baked garrigue in this richly concentrated Grenache. Sourced from sandy soils, it's luscious and mouthfilling yet glossy like silk. Freshly balanced yet penetrating with fruit, it's at peak now through 2035. - Wine Enthusiast