2016 Chateauneuf du Pape

Loads of herbs, pepper, underbrush, flowers and kirsch here. Silky, fresh, long and loaded with juicy kirsch, there is body and sweet fruits. You can drink this now, or give it a few years for more secondary notes to appear. The wine was made blending 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 5% Cinsault and 5% Mourvedre. 92 Points

The classic 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape checks in at around 75% Grenache, 10% each of Syrah and Mourvèdre, and a splash of Cinsault. This rock star traditional cuvée gives up loads of black licorice, garrigue, black raspberries, and kirsch liqueur. It's powerful and full-bodied, yet elegant and seamless, with fine tannin, no hard edges, and a great finish. Despite the richness and weight, it stays weightless and elegant, with silky tannin. Don't miss it. When you consider what this estate has accomplished over the past two decades, it’s easy to include Domaine Pierre Usseglio as not only one of the top addresses in Châteauneuf-du-Pape but in all of France as well. They have been on a sensational roll since 1998 and have yet to put a foot wrong. And that’s apparent with these latest 2016s, which I believe are the best wines ever produced here. In addition to the Châteauneuf-du-Pape releases, the estate makes a fabulous Côtes du Rhône and Lirac, both of which over-deliver.

A blend of 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah and 5% each Cinsault and Mourvèdre, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is full-bodied, rich and round. Despite being a touch on the warm side, it's deceptively easy to drink, with sexy flavors of raspberries and chocolate that glide to a smooth, lingering finish.