Chapoutier is one of the oldest wine producers in the Rhone Valley with a history dating back to 1808. A distant ancestor, Polydor Chapoutier, was the first to buy vines here, shifting from being a simple grape grower to making and trading his own wine. For the last two hundred years, the estate has been producing some of the greatest wines in the Rhone Valley. Today, the range also includes wines from some Roussillon appellations as well as projects in Portugal and Australia.

Under Michel Chapoutier’s leadership, quality improved and Chapoutier gained international recognition. The massive negociant and winery produces single-vineyard expressions and classic wines from a range of appellations in the north and south of the valley.

They have adopted biodynamic farming techniques and have included Braille markings on their labels since 1996. This was done from a desire to reach out to and include lovers of good wines with sight-impairments, and as a tribute to Maurice Monier of La Sizeranne, a member of the family that previously owned the vines of the same name and who invented the first abbreviated version of Braille.

Chateauneuf's history is extremely dense. One of the most important periods was during the 15th Century when the popes resided in Avignon. The village of Chateauneuf-du-Pape became the papal summer residence (Jean XXII, Urbin V and Innocent VI) and they succeeded in promoting its wines.

In the early 20th Century, winegrowers were regularly acknowledged for their wines by a special board of judges which was set up under the instigation of Baron "le Roy de Boiseaumarie."

Made from Grenache from 90 year old vines, Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac has an intense garnet color. It is herbacy on the nose, with hints of spices (liquorice), chocolate, and fruits (strawberry). It is ample on the mouth, fleshy, hot and round, and has an outstanding density with an impressive length. Depending on the vintage, this wine can be kept from 30 to 60 years or from 50 to 75 years.

The 2016 Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is a truly exceptional wine that embodies the essence of the Southern Rhone region in France. With its deep, rich color and enticing aromas, it immediately captivates the senses. This red wine, made from a proprietary blend of varietals, showcases the skill and expertise of the esteemed producer, Chapoutier.

On the nose, the wine reveals a symphony of scents, including fragrant blueberry liqueur, crushed rock, violets, and garrigue. These complex aromas create a sense of anticipation for the experience to come. As the wine touches the palate, it envelops it with a velvety texture and a full-bodied presence that is simply magnificent.

The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is a wine of remarkable depth and intensity. It exhibits a seamless integration of flavors, with no hard edges to be found. The sweet tannins add structure and complexity, while the finish is nothing short of extraordinary, lingering on the palate long after the last sip.

Renowned wine critic Jeb Dunnuck describes this vintage as the greatest ever made, surpassing even the highly acclaimed 2007. He predicts that with a few more years of aging, this wine will reach perfection and can be enjoyed for the next 15-20 years. Robert Parker's Wine Advocate also praises the wine, noting its huge black cherry fruit, garrigue notes, and long licorice-tinged finish.

James Suckling, another respected critic, highlights the plush and focused nature of this Chateauneuf du Pape, with its impressive floral and ripe berry aromas. He commends the elegance and power of the wine, as well as its long and silky finish.

Jeff Leve, a wine expert from The Wine Cellar Insider, emphasizes the layers of refined, elegant, and pure red fruits found in this top-of-the-line Southern Rhone wine from Chapoutier. He personally attests to its ageability, recommending that it can be enjoyed for up to three decades.

In conclusion, the 2016 Chapoutier Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is a wine of exceptional quality and craftsmanship. It showcases the richness and complexity of the Southern Rhone region, while also demonstrating the expertise of its producer. This wine is a true masterpiece, destined to be savored and treasured by wine enthusiasts for years to come.