Bottled only a week before my visit, I was blown away by how well Beaucastel's 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape was showing. It's full-bodied, creamy, lush and rich, with layers of raspberry fruit, garrigue and spice that unfold across a seamless palate. No doubt it will go through cycles of being open and closed throughout its lifespan, but it would be a mistake to simply order a case, put it into storage and forget about it without trying one first and swooning over the sheer lusciousness and youthful complexity. Joe Czerwinski, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Deep brilliant crimson. Aromas of ripe red and dark berries, musky flowers and garrigue develop a spicecake nuance as the wine opens up. Juicy and seamless on the palate, offering sweet black raspberry, cherry compote, licorice and lavender pastille flavors that display superb depth as well as unlikely energy. Doesn't let up on the impressively long, spice-tinged finish, which features smoothly interwoven tannins and a lingering cherry note. Josh Raynolds, Vinous

Region: Châteauneuf du Pape, Southern Rhone, France

Grape Varietal: 35% Mourvèdre, 25% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Counoise, 5% Cinsault, 10% other permitted varieties

Critic Rating: Robert Parker Wine Advocate 97 Points, Vinous 95 Points

Suggested Drink Window: 2019 - 2040