Châteauneuf L'Esprit Français Rouge 2016

Including all the permitted varieties (it's mostly Grenache), the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Esprit Français gives up a deep ruby/purple color as well as a great nose of black raspberries, new saddle leather, lavender, and spice. This deep, medium to full-bodied beauty has a singular character, medium to full body, present tannin, and a great finish. I love its balance and length, and it's going to age for 10-12 years with no issues.

Offering a kaleidoscope of raspberry and plum fruit, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Esprit Français is full-bodied, velvety and rich, yet it remains really fun and drinkable, with a long, juicy finish. Vignon plans a second bottling of this wine but under screwcap, if the authorities will let him. Or he may bottle it under screwcap anyway and declassify it into a Vin de France.