This rich, fleshy wine offers waves of luscious blackberry and plum flavors accented by hints of espresso, smoked nut and cinnamon. The opulent, open style is offset by a fresh mineral profile and dense, penetrating tannins. Appealing already for lovers of big, voluptuous wines this should improve well through 2035. (ALI)

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Privilège is another wild mix of mostly Grenache (50%) blended with smaller amounts of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Clairette, Bourboulenc and other varieties. Brought up in 30% new barrels, it offers a ripe, sexy, modern-tinged style in its kirsch and blackberry fruits, toasted spices, and graphite aromas and flavors. It's ripe, full-bodied, and silky on the palate, with beautiful balance. It’s another terrific wine from this estate.

Limpid ruby-red. Assertive red and blue fruit, lavender oil and musky herb aromas pick up hints of allspice, vanilla and licorice as the wine opens up. Broad and fleshy in the mouth, offering sweet raspberry preserve, boysenberry, spicecake and cola flavors that show sharp detail and mineral lift. Smooth and enegetic on the youthfully tannic finish, which leaves persistent red berry liqueur and exotic spice notes behind. (aged in 70% used and 30% new barriques). (JR)