2016 Domaine de Nalys Châteauneuf-du-Pape
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Tasting notes
Deep glistening violet. A highly complex bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruits, exotic spices, incense and garrigue , and a smoky mineral topnote lends urgency. Stains the palate with sweet raspberry, boysenberry, fruitcake and succulent herb flavors that are sharpened by a spicy suggestion of white pepper. Shows outstanding clarity and dried-fruit-dominated persistence on the finish, which features sneaky tannins and resonating floral character. 70% concrete and 30% oak barrels of varying size.
Critic scores
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Very rich, multilayered Châteauneuf with ripe red-plum and dark-berry aromas. The palate has such intense and fresh, juicy-fruit drive. Long and focused finish. Drink or hold.
Aged for 18 months, 30% in oak. 59% Grenache, 32% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre, 3% Counoise, 1% Vaccarèse. Redcurrant and cranberry, fuller body than their Stes-Pierres, combines freshness and richness very effectively, and the purity of fruit is very impressive on the finish. (RH)
A big step up, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grand Vin is the top wine of the estate and comes from an incredible terroir in the heart of the appellation. Blackberries, black raspberries, crushed flowers, and a beautiful minerality all flow to a medium to full-bodied, silky 2016 that has the purity of fruit as well as the richness that makes this vintage so compelling. While not from the Northern Rhône, the Chateau de Nalys releases are now made by the Guigal family and were presented at my tasting in the north. The Guigals blended the 2016s and started to have full control as of 2017, and you certainly see an increase in the quality level. Well-known consultant Philippe Cambie started lending his advice here as of the 2018 vintage. While this estate fashioned good yet rarely great wines in the past, it’s important to realize Chateau de Nalys covers a large swath of incredible terroir and old vines, and given the investment and focus (as well as talent) by the Guigal family, the sky is the limit here. The lineup has been revamped from the numerous special cuvées to just two wines: a more forward, charming Saintes Pierres de Nalys release and the more concentrated, age-worth straight Châteauneuf-du-Pape.