Moving to the reds, the base 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a blockbuster, and this is one of those cases where you have to wonder if it’s worth the cost of the special cuvées when this wine is so good. Maire describes the 2016 vintage as a mix of the 2010 and 2007 vintages, and I can’t disagree. This beautiful 2016 offers a terrific nose of black raspberries, garrigue, and peppered meat in a full-bodied, ripe, incredibly sexy, seamless style. It has a boatload of tannins, and despite its intensity and richness, is still elegant and seamless. Buy a case of this, trust me.

Review Date: 28th August 2018

Enticing, with bright, engaging raspberry, cherry and red currant fruit infused with gently roasted sandalwood and apple wood, garrigue and licorice root notes. A swath of tobacco underscores the finish, giving this an old-school hint. Best from 2020 through 2040. 2,500 cases made.

Made from 50- to 80-year-old vines, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape offers tremendous purity for an entry-level cuvée. Pine and rosemary notes accent bright cherry fruit in this full-bodied, creamy textured and lush example of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The assemblage is 80% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre. Enjoy it over the next decade.

Drinking Window: 2019 - 2027

Reviewer Name: Joe Czerwinski

Review Date: 31st August 2018

Deep bright-hued ruby. Spice-accented cherry and raspberry scents are complicated by suggestions of candied flowers, allspice and succulent herbs. Juicy and penetrating on the palate, offering intense red and blue fruit, allspice and star anise flavors that turn sweeter as the wine slowly opens up. Shows excellent clarity and spicy cut on the youthfully tannic finish, which lingers with strong, red-fruit-driven tenacity.

Drinking Window: 2023 - 2031

Reviewer Name: Josh Raynolds

Review Date: 19th December 2019