2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Lion Domaine Tour Saint Michel

Another traditional wine that knocks it out of the park is the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Lion. Made from 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre brought up mostly in concrete tanks, its purple color is accompanied by loads of blackberries, dried spices, earth, new saddle leather, and garrigue. It's a rich, full-bodied, concentrated 2016 that's going to keep for 10-15 years or more. Now - 2033.

Kraftfuld, flæsket, fed og ganske indtagende, hvis man kan lide stilen. Den virker stadig alt for ung og urolig, behøver tid til at finde sig selv, og der er meget vinmageri her, men 2016 er igen den frelsende enkel med det afgørende indslag af friskhed.

The 2016 Châteauneuf du Pape Cuvee du Lion is a ripe, powerful wine, a blend of 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvèdre aged in old barriques and concrete. Hints of violets and roses accent black cherry fruit in this full-bodied, concentrated offering. Creamy textured on the mid-palate, it eases into a long, intense finish loaded with licorice and dried spices. 2018 - 2030 .

Dark in color, the nose offers up smoke, burnt charcoal and black cherry liqueur notes, Rich, ripe, lush and concentrated, the wine offers power, depth of flavor and layers of plush, sweet, ripe juicy, dark red fruits in the finish. The new oak used in the aging is already mostly integrated into the wealth of fruit. The wine is produced blending 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre.

Dark and winey, with delicious cassis, raspberry and plum flavors forming a well-endowed core, backed by licorice snap, roasted apple wood and warm fruitcake flavors. Shows brambly grip through the finish. Best from 2020 through 2035.-J.M.