Chateauneuf du Pape Clos des Papes 2016 (1.5L)

97 Points, Josh Raynolds, Vinous: "Lurid ruby. A complex, highly perfumed bouquet evokes raspberry liqueur, cherry compote, exotic spices and candied lavender. Juicy, seamless and alluringly sweet, offering impressively concentrated and sharply delineated flavors of sappy red fruits, succulent herbs, spicecake and candied flowers that spread out steadily on the back half. Densely packed but also lithe in character, finishing with slow-building tannins that shape the exuberant red fruit on the extremely long, sappy and penetrating finish." 12/19

97 Points, Yohan Castaing, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "A classically proportioned Châteauneuf-du-Pape of considerable richness and power, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Clos des Papes wafts from the glass with a floral, spice-driven bouquet of plum, violets and pepper. Full-bodied, dense and elegant, it's powerful yet ethereal, with a focused, linear palate, impressive length and a peppery, spice-inflected finish of remarkable freshness. With time, it will gain in precision and definition—a great Clos des Papes in the making." 07/26

100 Points, Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com: "Another perfect wine from this brilliant estate is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, which matches the otherworldly 2007. A classic blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah brought up all in old foudre, this beauty's deep purple color is followed by a mammoth bouquet of kirsch liqueur, black currants, blueberries, Asian spices, and garrigue. Full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful, it nevertheless is as graceful as a ballerina on the palate and has ultra-fine tannins, a silky, seamless texture, and a finish that just won't quit. Hats off to vigneron Paul-Vincent Avril!" 08/18