Chapelle St. Theodoric CdP les Sablons 2016 (750ML)

91-93+ JD / 91-93 WA / 92 VM

This estate has been on fire recently, and these 2016s might just be the best yet. The entry-level cuvée is the 100% Grenache 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Les Sablons, a blend of the La Guigasse and Le Grand Pin terroirs. It has lots of garrigue and sappy herbs as well as bright red fruits, high acidity, and a balanced, elegant texture. Jeb Dunnuck

A cuvée made from young vines, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape les Sablons offers aromas of mint, pine, roses and cherries. It's full-bodied but a bit edgy, with crisp, zest-like notes and silky tannins on the finish. Because of the tiny yields, none was made in 2017. JC –The Wine Advocate

Deep shimmering red. Powerful red fruit preserve, spicecake and floral oil scents are sharpened by a mineral flourish that builds in the glass. Sweet and expansive on the palate, offering juicy black raspberry, cherry and lavender pastille flavors and exotic allspice and star anise notes. Smooth and energetic on the finish, which features rounded tannins and lingering red berry preserve character.
-- Josh Raynolds – Vinous Media