(94-96) The 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Alexis Establet is pure Grenache raised in a combination of foudres, demi-muids and new barriques. It's a richer, more powerful wine than the regular bottling, weighing in at 16% alcohol, yet it never seems hot, just big, plush and velvety. Subtle notes of cocoa and pencil shavings frame cherry and spice flavors in this seamless blend of fruit and oak. Sexy stuff! - JC

(93-95) Made from 100% Grenache from the Les Esqueirons and La Guardiole lieux-dits, brought up in smaller barrels and demi-muids, the purple-colored 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Alexis Establet gives up a fabulous bouquet of black raspberries, crushed flowers, incense, spice, and candied orange peel. It's deep, full-bodied, has silky tannins, and a great finish.

Black raspberry, kirsch, flowers and smoky earth gets your focus on the nose. The sexy, sensuous, ripe, elegant and fresh palate is where the action is. There is length and purity of fruit in the long, plush finish. The wine is made from 100% old vine Grenache. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/search-wine-tasting-notes/?szSearch=2016+grand+tinel

This is an intensely ripe but nuanced wine with a fleshy, undulating core of blackberry and raspberry flavors. Whispers of earth, forest floor and anise suggest it will gain complexity with age but ripe, persistent tannins make it approachable now as well. - ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA