Clos Des Papes 2015 vs. 2016

• 2015 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 92 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  A little funk early which blew off. Some giveaway aromas of the ripe year with a little tar, scorched earth. Black cherry, smoke, clove, tea leaves, and Chinese medicinal notes. Much softer on the palate than the nose with elegant, smooth feel in the mouth while still flamboyant given the vintage. The alcohol shows through on the finish. I’d hold onto this for another 6 years before drinking another bottle. This is a very interesting wine but I’d say it makes me more excited about the 2016 than for this wine itself.

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• 2016 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 93 Points

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Sensational nose of tea, bitter chocolate. Where the 15 coats the palate, this floats through with in a taut, ethereal fashion. Less approachable and tighter today than the 15 with harder tannins and a grittier, grungier profile. Steelier, sharper, fresher. Most certainly all there though with a concentration of red and black black berries and enough acidity to carry the weight. Great stuff.

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Happy with my decision to buy the 16 in quantity vs. the 15.