Vieux Clocher Arnoux et Fils Châteauneuf-du-Pape 2016

92pt fabulous French Grenache blend

Châteauneuf du Pape is the star of the southern Rhône, and the 2016s, with their long growing season, are some of the finest. Vieux Clocher is from the Arnoux family, whose estate in Vacquéyras dates back to 1717. It passed from father to son for many generations and today is under the direction of Marc and Jean-François Arnoux. Grapes for this superb red are all from 50 year old vines, sourced partly from the rock laden soils of Le Crau for power and structure, the rest from the sandy north for elegance and finesse. Using mostly dense, low yield Grenache, tempered by peppery black fruit Syrah, Mourvèdre, Terret and Cinsault, it was aged in oak casks for over a year. Open early and decant. Jean-François recommends with rich game casserole.