Master Rhone taster and reviewer Jeb Dunnuck sums up the 2016 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes quite nicely.
“The same Grenache-dominated blend as the base cuvée, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes comes from older vines and is released solely for the US market. It’s a step up and is reminiscent of the 2010 with its depth, concentration, and purity. Black cherries, kirsch, licorice, and crushed rock notes all emerge from this ultra-fine, beautifully polished 2016 that does everything right. Don’t miss it.”
2016 Clos Saint Jean Chateauneuf du Pape Vieilles Vignes
95 points Jeb Dunnuck, 94 points Wine Advocate, 93 points Wine Spectator
This vintage is sold out. Click here to order the current release in our online store.
Simply put, this is a Grenache-lover’s dream wine from “one of the most exciting addresses not only in France, but in the entire wine world,” said Robert Parker shortly before he retired. What I love about CSJ is how good their wines drink early, upon release. Sure, you can certainly lay these down, but there’s a ton of immediate gratification in this bottle of wine.
A blend of 75% Grenache from vines planted in 1905 and 15% Syrah from 30-40 year old vines, it really shows the hallmark characteristics of the brilliant 2016 vintage. It’s certainly deep, full bodied, and opulent, but there’s wonderful lift and freshness here as well. “Full-bodied, velvety and intense, it boasts a super finish, loaded with intriguing notes of licorice and spice,” says the Wine Advocate.
For Chateauneuf lovers, jump on this offer before it jumps out of the store. And trust me, it will jump out of here, as we have many CSJ fans at Table Wine. I hope to see you soon, and let’s keep up the crazy wine love in 2019. Cheers to happy drinking and eating in Asheville!
This vintage is sold out. Click here to order the current release in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville