| Region | |
|---|---|
| Subregion | France > Rhône > Southern Rhône > Châteauneuf-du-Pape |
| Colour | Red |
| Type | Still |
View all vintages of this wine | View all wines by Maison M. Chapoutier
The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois comes from a site on the eastern side of the appellation and, like its bigger brother, is 100% destemmed Grenache that saw 21 months in concrete tanks. Blueberries, crème de cassis, crushed rocks, licorice, and pepper notes all emerge from this deep, powerful, surprisingly structured example of this cuvée. It has tons of fat and richness, but give bottles a few years.
Not yet bottled, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois looks to be the star of Chapoutier's Southern Rhône collection. Cracked pepper, licorice and black raspberry notes sing loudly in this full-bodied, supple, creamy-textured beauty. There's a hint of warmth on the lingering, mouthwatering finish, which may limit its ageability, but this is so sexy and lush now, who could resist? Drink Date 2018 - 2030
Last of the 2016-barrel samples, the 2016 Châteauneuf-Du-Pape Croix de Bois comes from a parcel on the eastern side of the appellation and is, as always, 100% Grenache brought up in concrete. It's similarly colored to the Barbe Rac and offers the classic ripe, pure, sexy style of the cuvée. Blackberries, blueberries, crushed herbs, pepper and beautiful minerality all emerge from this full-bodied, uber-concentrated, ultra-pure 2016 and like a lot of 2016s might just be another best yet.
