Cherry and plum flavors are youthful and fresh in this wine, accented by crushed mineral and a tinge of peppery spice. It's silken-smooth in texture yet held upright by taut, persistent tannins. Attractive already the wine should improve through 2028 and hold further.

The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape has a surprisingly modern bouquet, yet backs it up with fruit. Blueberries, passion fruits, garrigue, and mint all emerge from this ripe, plum, incredibly sexy 2016 that has tons of texture and richness, while never going over the top. The blend is 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre that was all destemmed and brought up all in concrete tanks.

Solid, with a core of raspberry and plum pâte de fruit notes that expands nicely as singed apple wood and red licorice flavors fill in through the finish. Offers a fleshy feel and good energy. Best from 2019 through 2026.

Reassuringly back up to par, Louis Bernard's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape offers hints of anise and cherry on the nose. A full-bodied blend of 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre, it's creamy and lush on the palate, easing into notes of mocha and black tea on the finish.

Deep red. Ripe red fruits and candied flowers on the nose and in the mouth. In a straightforward, vaguely jammy style, showing good depth. The modestly persistent finish is framed by subtle, even tannins.