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..

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 9 years ago

Levi had this 10 years ago