(95+ poins) The 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape La Côte Ronde shows more density and power as well as length, yet doesn’t have the elegance that’s already present in the Juline cuvée. A big blast of blackcurrants, crushed rocks, herbs, and pepper notes give way to a full-bodied, fresh, edgy wine that’s going to need cellaring. As always, this cuvée is equal parts Grenache and Syrah that was destemmed and brought up all in new barrels.

(92 - 94 points) Brighter and fresher than the 2015 version, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee la Cote Ronde spent 17 months in new oak without dimming its concentrated beam of cherry-berry fruit. There's a dusting of cocoa, but this full-bodied, supple wine finishes zesty and long.- JC

(raised in new barriques) Deep, bright-rimmed violet color. A complex, expansive bouquet evokes ripe red and blue fruit preserves, potpourri, exotic spices, olive and cola that are complemented by a smoky mineral topnote. Sweet and broad on the palate, offering deeply concentrated yet surprisingly lively boysenberry, Chambord, licorice candy and vanilla flavors that pick up a sexy violet pastille element on the back half. The extremely long, floral-tinged finish shows sharp delineation and velvety, late-arriving tannins. This wine is doing a wonderful job of handling its not-insubstantial oak component. -- Josh Raynolds

In this wine, hints of aged balsamic and crushed minerals lend depth to sunny blackberry and plum flavors. It's a rich, concentrated wine with a bold, voluminous mouthfeel that's freshened by a tang of salt and chalky, penetrating tannins. It should be at peak now through 2035. ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA

Ripe, juicy and still a bit compact, with a core of dark plum and blackberry paste flavors studded with licorice snap, fruit cake and sweet toast notes. Good energy and a flicker of garrigue keep this honest. Best from 2020 through 2030. — JM