2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Calvaire
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The young vine cuvée from this terrific estate located in the southern part of the appellation is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Clos du Calvaire, a ripe, incredibly sexy, and seamless red that does everything right in 2016. Kirsch, peppery spice, garrigue, and dried earth notes all flow to a full-bodied, beautifully balanced wine that has no hard edges and an approachable, delicious style. I always find this cuvée to be the most approachable in the lineup yet this 2016 will keep for upwards of a decade. The blend is 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Cinsault and the rest Mourvèdre, all aged in concrete.
Critic scores
Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The plushest and easiest to drink of the multiple Mayard cuvées is the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Clos du Calvaire. A blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault, it's full-bodied and creamy textured, with loads of blueberry and cherry fruit, hints of garrigue and a long finish. It should drink well for a decade or more.
70% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Cinsault, 5% Mourvèdre. Cask sample. Succulent fruit on the nose, with raspberry and cherry coming through. Nice clove spice character on the finish, with firm but friable tannin on the length. Not as concentrated as many, but that's a mercy in such a big vintage. (RH)