In contrast to the Piedlong, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is a darker, richer wine. Yes, there are ripe cherries but also cola, blueberries and spice. Full-bodied and rich, it should easily outdistance the 2015. Daniel Brunier said that all of the estate`s 2016 reds are 15.5% alcohol or more, yet I didn`t find excessive heat in any of them—a testament to the richness of the wines and the balance achieved in this vintage. With similar growing seasons and yields between 2015 and 2016, Brunier says, "I don`t know where comes the differences." The family`s joint venture with American importer Kermit Lynch, Domaine Les Pallières, is also worth a strong look. 94-96 points

Lurid ruby-red. Potent, mineral-accented Chambord, cherry compote and licorice aromas are complicated by suave lavender and Asian spice qualities. Seamless, round and alluringly sweet, offering lush red and blue fruit preserve and floral pastille flavors and a hint of five-spice powder. Finishes sappy, sweet and extre clear, ripely fruited with some husky, baked notes, black raisin, brandy cake, cherry stone. It is imposing. The palate gives strength, muscle, tight packing with tannins that are baked. It is a ground force wine, holds thick juice, shows the vintage more than the Piedlong 2016. It is concentrated and thorough, a wine of strength, many resources, feet on the ground. It will take much time, will be very long-lived via its close-knit, really dense content. After the full mass of the attack, prune fruit squeezes out only towards the finish. There is a note of cocoa towards the finish. Decanting advised. From 2024. 4.5*