Clive McNish

9.3

Really good Chateauneuf-du-Pape, word is that 2016 is a legendary vintage and trying this I would say I’ve never experienced such a young wine of this varietal with so much depth and complexity. Great nose, really smooth on the palate and loads of cherry, spice, leather and floral elements with a hint of Pernod style aniseed on the finish. For $45 I think this is outstanding, it has a high alcohol content for French wine so may not be a long termer but it’s great so just enjoy now. — 14 days ago

Jennifer Lynch

9.2

GW: Banneret comes from a tiny cellar and it’s a beautiful old school Chateauneuf du Pape. Mildly earthy and spicy, perfect for lamb/beef/duck. Me: this is a really memorable wine. The nose, the balance. Great spice. 2015 vintage. — 14 days ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.6

This nose takes on a dominant red fruit aromatic profile that is beautifully connected with rose water accents. Less stony on the bouquet than the 2015 Beaucastel, the 2014 rendition also yields orange rind and smoked brisket aromas that make this nearly impossible to put down. The palate is both lithe and dense as the wine currently showcases Hoisin sauce, Umami, blood orange puree, red cherry syrup and black tea flavors. This is an absolute show-stopper at this juncture, showing a slightly more feminine profile than the 2015 — but this is every bit as good. Drink 2019-2030- 96 — 4 days ago

Rita deLuschia

9.7

Black cherry, graphite, cooked plum, olives, aniseed, lavender. An incredibly refined Chateauneuf du Pape, fantastic accompaniment with a meal including rich gamey meat like Lamb. The best descriptor for this wine is ‘luscious’. The perfect balance of tannins, residual sugar, and acid. — 6 days ago

Ned Gray Creed

9.2

“Like a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape” or Chateauneufy de Puppy, — 19 days ago

with Mark

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.6

The 2016 Château de Beaucastel Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc is a stunning wine from this famed estate. Needing more than an hour decant to fully develop, this starts off with beeswax, brandy soaked pear, nutmeg, and ripe banana that impress, as the intoxicating bouquet continues to bring you back to the glass. On the palate, the unctuous mouthfeel entices the senses. Silky smooth gliding through the palate, flavors reminiscent of baked pear, marzipan, banana bread and honeydew melon move through, leading to an exceeding long and satisfying finish. The salinity and light stony character of the wine further pushes this into the upper echelon of this prestigious region in the Rhone Valley. Enjoyable now, this wine will cellar well for decades. Drink 2019-2035- 96 — 4 days ago

Nick Coveney

10

A few of my favorite things. — 9 days ago

with Kate

Rufus King

9.3

Dry but not astringent Chateauneuf du Pape in Toronto — 15 hours ago

M Stout

9.1

Excellent expression of Chateauneuf without breaking the budget. — 12 days ago

James Forsyth

9.7

The Chimère from Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non fame, and the Maurel brothers of Clos Saint Jean, is, appropriately, a beast. Cherry, blackcurrant, Christmas spice, violets and chocolate. Many elements combine to make a compelling wine that deserves attention over time. Indeed, when this bottle was initially opened, the prevailing thought at the table was that it would last months. A small tipple to check in, some time later, was tasted with our own resident chimera (well at least she sort of has the head of Lion element down) present. — 3 days ago