Domaine de Cristia Chateauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes 2016 / 750 ml.

One of the gems in the vintage is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes, and it’s about as beautiful an example of old vine Grenache as I could imagine. Sporting a deep purple color as well as a huge perfume of blackberries, black raspberries, garrigue, crushed flowers, and exotic spices, it hits the palate with a wealth of fruit, a stacked mid-palate, awesome purity of fruit, and a finish that won’t quit. Made from 100% old vine Grenache from the sandy soils of the Cristia lieu-dit, aged in one-third new barrels, it has a certain accessibility even today but will be at its best in 2–4 years and keep for 15+. It’s the finest wine ever made by Baptiste and readers need to find bottles of this elixir! (Jeb Dunnuck)

Even better (although in a very different style), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes comes all from very old Grenache vines planted all in sandy soils. This behemoth offers awesome notes of blueberries, plums, violets and spring flowers, with hints of sandy/loamy/soil notes developing with time in the glass. Full-bodied, fat, unctuous and hedonistic, it stays balanced lively and fresh on the palate, with no weight. Sign me up. (Jeb Dunnuck)

Ripe, but bright and fresh, with a lively mix of raspberry, red currant and bitter plum coulis flavors streaming in, pulling light tea, singed sandalwood and anise notes along. Shows lovely detail and well-embedded acidity through the finish. Drink now through 2035. 600 cases made.

The pure Grenache 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes reached 16.5% alcohol yet carries it really well, showing just a trace of warmth. Cola, cedar and black cherry notes lead into a plush, full-bodied wine with supple tannins and remarkable length. Although it may age past a decade, there’s no real reason to defer gratification.

Limpid ruby-red. Smoke- and spice-accented aromas of cherry liqueur, Chambord and candied flowers, along with a subtle floral quality that gains strength with air. Energetic red berry and bitter cherry flavors are complemented by mocha and licorice flourishes that take a sweeter turn on the back half. Youthful tannins lend grip to a long, focused finish that strongly echoes the cherry and floral notes.

I didn’t taste the straight Chateauneuf du Pape from 2016, but the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes certainly looked special out of a one-year-old demi-muid. It’s a big, plush, dark-fruited wine, with some chocolate notes and a velvety feel.