In Bond Fine Wine. 2016 Chapoutier CDP Croix de Bois, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone, France. Red Rhone in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 98/100 (JD). Drinking window: 2018–2033. Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Joe Czerwinski (JC) — 95–97/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 31/08/2018 · Drink 2018-2030
Not yet bottled, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Croix de Bois looks to be the star of Chapoutier's Southern Rh'ne collection. Cracked pepper, licorice and black raspberry notes sing loudly in this full-bodied, supple, creamy-textured beauty. There's a hint of warmth on the lingering, mouthwatering finish, which may limit its ageability, but this is so sexy and lush now, who could resist?
Jeb Dunnuck (JD) — 97/100 · JebDunnuck.com, 28/08/2018
The 2016 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois comes from a site on the eastern side of the appellation and, like its bigger brother, is 100% destemmed Grenache that saw 21 months in concrete tanks. Blueberries, creme de cassis, crushed rocks, licorice, and pepper notes all emerge from this deep, powerful, surprisingly structured example of this cuvee. It has tons of fat and richness, but give bottle…
Josh Raynolds (JRa) — 95/100 · Vinous, 2019-12-01 · Drink 2023-2033
Deep shimmering ruby. A sexy, highly perfumed bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, Asian spices, cola and potpourri, and a smoky mineral flourish builds in the glass. Seductively sweet and expansive in the mouth, offering intense raspberry liqueur, cherry cola, candied lavender and spicecake flavors that are firmed by a core of juicy acidity. Shows outstanding depth as well as finesse, with no rough e…