2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Rouge Château La Nerthe

Tank sample. Deep, ripe core of fruit and tannin punctured by a tremulous acid line. Vibrant, juicy blackberry and black cherry fruits, with a fragrant violet end. Light on its feet and very drinkable. Drinking Window 2019 - 2035 .

A complex range of citrus, stone fruits and tropical fruits on the nose. This has plenty of appeal, freshness and energy. The palate delivers a smooth, crunchy and composed array of mineral-flecked apple, lemon and white peach. Drink now.

Deeply colored, the 2016 Châteauneuf- du-Pape is a blend of 37% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, and the rest Cinsault and other permitted varieties. With classic notes of currants, ripe black cherries, new saddle leather, and peppery herbs, it's rich, full-bodied, and concentrated, with a pure, focused style that's going to age gracefully for 15-20 years. It's one of the finest classical cuvées I can remember.

La Nerthe's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a blend of 37% Grenache, 29% Syrah, 25% Mourvèdre, 7% Cinsault and 2% others. Aged in a substantial portion of new oak (20%), it shows hints of toast and vanilla on the nose, then plenty of concentrated cherry fruit on the palate. It's full-bodied and plush in texture, making it approachable now, but there's enough tannic backbone and length on the finish to think it will drink well for more than a decade. 2018 - 2030 .

Bright ruby. A highly perfumed nose displays ripe red fruit, lavender and woodsmoke scents that pick up licorice and allspice accents with air. Supple and broad in the mouth, offering sweet raspberry and spicecake flavors and a touch of succulent herbs. Hangs on very nicely on the penetrating, appealingly sweet finish, which features velvety tannins and a hint of cola.

Creamy textured plum and raspberry sauce notes glide through, flecked with black tea and pastis flavors and framed by a subtle apple wood hint. Flattering in feel, but shows latent cut and drive, so there's no rush. Best from 2020 through 2034.