Notes:

Not yet bottled, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Laurent Charvin is a beauty, and I’d wager one of the finest to date. In addition, it has a vibrant, mineral-laced personality that I’m sure is loved by Laurent. As classic as it gets, with a rocking bouquet of black, black fruits, garrigue, crushed rocks, and pepper, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, remarkable concentration, yet also the freshness and purity that’s the hallmark of Laurent’s wines. I followed this bottle for two days, and it shut down with extended aeration, so I’d recommend trying a bottle on release and then hiding the rest for a good 4-5 years. The blend is the classic 82% Grenache, 5% each of Mourvèdre and Syrah, and the balance Vaccarèse and Counoise, fermented with 100% whole clusters and aged all in concrete tanks. Don’t miss this beauty.  Jeb Dunnuck 95-97