Cuvèe Prestige Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend

Young, I know, still love evaluating the 16’ vintage in southern Rhône.
Lilacs and graphite line my nostrils as I inhale deeply.
First brush of the lips offer up deep, dark, dried fruits, hints of rosemary.
As I have opened this waaay before its time, I am punished by being constantly slapped upside my head with the Tabacco and cedar staves. The acidity is precise and razor like.
Need to revisit the other bottle in another 5 years..

Not sure if this was fully corked, but it seemed to be on the way. Cork gave no resistance when removing, color was rusty brown, and it had an off but not horrible flavor. This wasn’t drinkable unfortunately.

So. Good.

Needed 45 mins to open up... 😋

Corked and dead. Bummer

Delicious and has proper typicity (how did "we" invent that term?). Needs time but handles its alcohol well. Unlike a college student. Whaaaaa? @Delectablewine It's Royer not Roger

Licorice, molasses and, as someone else said, stewed fruit. Perfect with a fudgy blue cheese or steak.

High ABV at 16%, but once the heat blows off with a bit of air, this sings. Fruit forward with nice tannins, approachable now but this can rest for a while still. Paired beautifully with Moroccan lamb stew.

Yummy, blood orange, red fruits, spice, dense.

Loren had this 10 years ago