The 2016 Paul Autard Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde is a notable red wine from the Southern Rhone region of France. This proprietary blend is a robust mix of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, aged in new barrels and sealed with a cork closure. The wine exhibits a 14.5% alcohol content, contributing to its full-bodied profile.
Jeb Dunnuck commends the 2016 Cuvee La Cote Ronde for its density and power, awarding it an impressive 95 points. He describes it as a "big blast of blackcurrants, crushed rocks, herbs, and pepper notes," though he notes that it requires cellaring for optimal enjoyment. Dunnuck also highlights that this wine lacks the immediate elegance of the Juline cuvée but compensates with a fresh, edgy character.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate offers a slightly lower but still excellent score of 94 points. The review emphasizes the wine's brightness and freshness compared to its 2015 predecessor. The 2016 vintage spent 17 months in new oak barrels, which managed to preserve the concentrated cherry-berry fruit while adding a "dusting of cocoa." The Advocate praises the wine's zesty and long finish.
Vinous reviewer Josh Raynolds also rates this wine 94 points, noting its "deep, bright-rimmed violet color" and "complex, expansive bouquet." He mentions flavors of boysenberry, Chambord, licorice candy, and vanilla, all complemented by a smoky mineral topnote. Raynolds appreciates the wine's ability to handle its significant oak component, resulting in a long, floral-tinged finish with velvety tannins.
Wine Enthusiast's Anna Lee C. Iijima echoes the 94-point sentiment, describing the wine's hints of aged balsamic and crushed minerals that add depth to the blackberry and plum flavors. She highlights its "bold, voluminous mouthfeel" and penetrating tannins, suggesting it will peak between now and 2035.
Lastly, Wine Spectator gives the wine a solid 92 points, mentioning its ripe, juicy nature with dark plum and blackberry paste flavors. The review notes elements of licorice snap, fruit cake, and sweet toast, with good energy and a "flicker of garrigue."
Overall, the 2016 Paul Autard Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee La Cote Ronde is a well-regarded wine, praised for its complexity, depth, and potential for aging.