Vieux Donjon 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape

"2016 is a fabulous vintage at CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE. The Royal appellation of the Southern Rhône can truly strut its multi-coloured, fascinating robes this year, a dazzle of pleasure to the eye and to all the senses. The wines are full of bounty, are aromatic, possess certain content, ripe tannins, and, hallelujah, are BALANCED" (drinkrhone)

Resolutely old-fashioned in the best possible sense, Vieux Donjon makes Châteauneuf that harkens back to an era before super-cuvées, fancy cooperage, and points. The blend is approximately 60-75% Grenache (1900s oldest, 1995 youngest), 10-20% Syrah, 10-18% Mourvèdre, 2-5% Cinsault, Counoise, white grapes incl Clairette. the main vineyards are "Les Pialons," "Le Mourre de Gaud" and Rayas. (From Drink Rhône) 2016 "...dark red, full robe. The nose is extremely wide, bears a sweet, southern nature, with layered, well filled black fruits airs allied to notes of black olives, a local density apparent. The palate is weighted and freighted, expressive, comes with a mass of thick content, southern garrigue herbs woven into it, rosemary and a tang of tilleul/linden, laurel all jostling together. This has a grass roots certainty, is a thoroughly grounded wine for the long haul."  Drink until 2045