Vignoble Simian Chateauneuf-du-Pape Reserve 2016

 Andy Says: "For the Dad in your life that deserves something truly special, I'd look no further than this small production, bio-dynamic Châteauneuf-du-Pape from Vignoble Simian. The estate has a remarkable history. When Madame Sophie Simian died in 1920 without an heir, she left the property and vineyards to Marcelle Laudret, a young woman who had worked for her faithfully for years. Five generations later, the Laudret family still owns the estate and continues winemaking. Of course, a great story gets you only so far.......
   Unlike many Châteauneuf-du Pape found on store shelves, this 2016 has already had time to mature. The result is a wine that blends the rich fruit power of the Southern Rhone with the complexity that only comes from time in a bottle. Expect flavors of dried cherry, blackberry, tobacco, coffee and warm spices, all wrapped in a silky, fully developed texture. The wine is drinking beautifully now but still has years of life ahead. This is a wine that tastes like it came from a well stocked cellar."