2016 Domaine L'Abbé Dîne Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape is outstanding and has a rich yet elegant profile. Sweet red fruits, dried herbs, garrigue, and pepper all flow to a finesse-driven effort that has no hard edges and terrific balance. The blend is 90% Grenache, 8% Syrah, and 2% Mourvèdre, all from the sandy soils of the Les Bédines lieu-dit.
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Average Score
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape is 90% Grenache without any oak influence. From the Les Bédines lieu-dit, it offers harmonious notes of cherries, stone fruit and a sprinkling of dried spices. Full-bodied, creamy and lush, it shows a touch of warmth on the finish. Drink it over the near term.
Brilliant ruby-red. Vibrant raspberry and floral pastille aromas, joined by smoke and garrigue elements that build slowly in the glass. Silky and sweet on the palate, offering energetic red fruit, succulent herb and white pepper flavors and a late suggestion of candied lavender. The floral and herb notes repeat on a lingering, gently tannic finish that features a hint of licorice. This is a classic rendition of Châteauneuf and it should be highly enjoyable soon after release.
90% Grenache, 8% Syrah, 2% Mourvèdre. Milk chocolate, black cherry and liquorice – quite an array of flavour here. Dense, heavy, but not punishing to drink. Fine tannin on the length. A good, bold Châteauneuf. (RH)