2016 Chateau Maucoil Chateauneuf du Pape ?Privilege?

2016 Chateau Maucoil Chateauneuf du Pape ‘Privilege’

2016 Chateau Maucoil Chateauneuf du Pape ‘Privilege’  “My favorite of this estate’s three red cuvées was the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Privilege, a barrel-aged blend (30% new) that includes 5% or so white grapes and a wide swathe of red varieties. The cedar and vanilla notes are pronounced but not overwhelming, serving to highlight gorgeous cherry fruit. It’s full-bodied, plush and unabashedly modern but also luminous and silky, with a long, long finish.” Drink 2018-2035.

The Maucoil Estate dates back to the Roman empire when vineyards on the site were planted for Caesar. The Chateau itself was established in 1624 and is located on an idyllic, organically farmed plateau in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. They are one of the legendary, blue chip producers of Chateaunuef. I have tasted verticals of older vintages and they are mind blowing wines. Their top Cuvee is the ‘Privilege’ which is only made in top vintages and tiny quantities, only 500 cases of this wine were made. The 2016 Chateau Maucoil Chateauneuf du Pape ‘Privilege’ is the finest wine I have tasted from the Southern Rhone all year. Château Maucoil has been under the care of several different illustrious wine growing families over the centuries, but it is now owned and managed by the talented winemakers Frederic and Benoit Lavau. Consulting Winemaker is Stephane Derenoncourt and is one of the greatest winemakers of our time. The Wine Spectator calls him, “The world’s hottest winemaker.” He works with more than 90 wineries around the world and he has many 100pt Parker wines under his belt. The wine is selected from the Chateau’s oldest vineyards, over 75 years of age. The wine caresses the palate superbly, awesome richness and depth, long and mouthwatering on the finish. A truly exquisite bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape.