Getting more than one exclamation in the notes, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée de Mon Aïeul is a deep, rich yet vibrant red that offers a kaleidoscope of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, crushed flowers, Asian spices, and cured meats. It's more opulent and sexier than the 2010, fresher and purer than the 2007, has deep, full-bodied aromas and flavors, and a huge finish. It's a sensational, heavenly Châteauneuf-du-Pape that tops out my scale. This cuvée is 100% Grenache that was not destemmed and was aged in 20% demi-muids and the balance in concrete tanks.

Voluptuous and penetrating, this pure Grenache bottling offers breathtaking freshness for such a rich wine. Blackberry and plum flavors are ripe but edged by cooling minerals and heady tones of garrigue, allspice and charcuterie. It's a rich, mouthcoating wine wrapped in fine, chalky tannins. Already irresistible it also has massive staying power. It will peak from now through 2030. - ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA

Produced from 100% old vine Grenache that is planted in 3 different terroirs. Every in this wine really works for the blend this year. Full bodied, deep, lush and opulent in character, the wine has concentration, length and freshness. The deep red berries offers sweetness and purity with gorgeous textures. This should age quite well. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2016&wine=Domaine%20Pierre%20Usseglio%20%26%20Fils%20Chateauneuf-du-Pape%20Cuvee%20de%20mon%20Aieul

All Grenache, all whole cluster and from parcels in the lieux-dits of La Guigasse, Le Crau and Les Serres, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee de Mon Aieul has evolved beautifully since I tasted it last year, showing vibrant floral and tea-like notes, raspberry fruit and hints of licorice. It's full-bodied, rich and velvety, with overtones of spice cake on the long, crisp finish. Tasting it, I was surprised to find out what the alcohol level was, because it showed no obvious heat—a testament to how much else is going on here. - Joe Czerwinski

Quite intense and moody. Dark-fruit aromas with wild herbs, tarry, slate-like, stony notes and dark chocolate, too. The palate is unashamedly ripe, packed with dark, rich fruit and a thread of dark chocolate. Weighs in warm at the finish. Drink or hold.