Roger Sabon Chateauneuf-du-Pape 'Reserve' 2016

60 yo vines. The Réservée with its slightly darker color shows more complexity with the earthy dried herb and introduction of tar ramping up the scale. The silky and richly black fruited palate is densely packed with dark fruit flavors, anise and tar and exotic herbs. A powerful and fleshy wine which has a very fine long finish. 2/3 foudrés, 1/3 barrique (no new).

Full-bodied and velvety, Sabon's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve is a step up from the les Olivets bottling and probably represents the best value in the 2016 lineup. Tasted blind, it showcases ripe dark plum and cola but also super ripe Grenache notes of apricot and delicate hints of garrigue, then it turns rich and chewy on the long finish. It's 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah, matured in a mix of foudres and oak vats. Drink 2020 - 2035. 95 Points. Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate.