Chapoutier Chateauneuf Du Pape Barbe Rac 2016 (750ML)

99 JD / 94-96 VM / 94-96 WA

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. Jeb Dunnuck

(raised in concrete tanks) Bright ruby-red. Sexy, expansive red berry preserve and floral pastille aromas are complicated by suggestions of cinnamon and star anise. Juicy, focused and pure in the mouth, displaying impressive verve to the mineral-laced raspberry and cherry compote flavors, which deepen slowly on the back half. The mineral element adds lift and cut to a strikingly long, gently tannic finish that leaves spicecake and lavender notes behind. JR – Vinous Media

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! JC – The Wine Advocate