M. Chapoutier La Bernardine Chateauneuf du Pape 2016 750ml

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck:
The entry level release from Chapoutier, the 2020 Châteauneuf Du Pape La Bernardine (80% Grenache and the rest Syrah and Mourvèdre) shows the supple, charming, pretty style of the vintage and has medium-bodied aromas and flavors of ripe cherries, framboise, and peppery herbs. This rounded, forward, front end-loaded beauty is perfect for drinking over the coming 7-8 years or more.

 

"Still in concrete, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape la Bernardine is the most flattering young version of this cuvée I can recall tasting. Loaded with black cherry fruit, it's full-bodied, rich and velvety yet not overdone, showing subtle dried spice notes and a long, fresh finish. It should drink well for a decade."
The Wine Advocate - Range: 91-93

"Rich but gentle-edged, with an open-knit core of warmed raspberry coulis, cherry preserve and blood orange flavors, laced with sandalwood, shiso leaf and lavender notes. Features a lightly dusty finish. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2030."
Wine Spectator - 92 points

"The entry-level Châteauneuf-du-Pape is the 2016 La Bernardine, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre from equal parts sandy and rolled stone terroirs. Medium to full-bodied, supple and sexy, with notes of lavender, black cherries, blackberries, and pepper spice, it should be drunk over the coming 7-8 years."
Jeb Dunnuck - 91 points