Incredibly perfumed and complex, the 2016 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Reserve Auguste Favier has put on weight since I tasted it as a barrel sample and offers full-bodied notes of currants, Asian spices, dried flowers, and lavender. It's powerful, concentrated and layered, yet always light on its feet and beautifully balanced, with a seamless, elegant texture as well as the purity of fruit that's the hallmark of this great vintage. It's a rock star wine from this terrific estate that's going to drink beautifully for two decades.

Velvety textures, spicy, pure, sweet, black raspberry and kirsch notes, with a concentrated mid palate and a fresh, peppery, cherry filled finish that keeps on going with its multiple layers of sweet, red and dark red fruits. What's not to like? The wine was produced from a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Cinsault. Read more at:https://www.thewinecellarinsider.com/wine-tasting-note/?vintage=2016&wine=Domaine%20Saint%20Prefert%20Chateauneuf-du-Pape%20Reserve%20Auguste%20Favier

A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Cinsault, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Reserve Auguste Favier boasts enchanting floral aromas, intoxicating raspberry and cherry fruit and enthralling hints of Swiss cocoa. Full-bodied, rich and velvety, it nevertheless comes across as fresh and nearly weightless. The use of stems (the wine is all whole bunches) and an elevated proportion of Cinsault has certainly contributed to this wine's soaring aromas and sense of freshness. It's a fascinating wine. - Joe Czerwinski

This is beautifully rendered, with a core of focused red currant, plum and raspberry coulis flavors that stretches out nicely while flecks of tobacco, bergamot, and singed sandalwood weave around. A bolt of iron detail shows through the finish, with a light echo of worn leather. Well-built, showing ample energy in reserve. From France. Best from 2020 through 2040. — J.M.

Concentrated black cherry, juicy dark berries and fig on the nose. There's a tight squeeze of tannin, and lovely bright, juicy and ripe acidity. It's dark-fruited, and clean but not overly polished, with a real sense of purity and piercing freshness. Powerful stuff here, generous in fruit and tannin with a noticeable grain and heft to the texture, leading into a saline finish. Read more at http://www.decanter.com/wine-reviews/france/rhone/domaine-saint-prefert-reserve-auguste-favier-15680#OyRWIKt3yc0qeRq3.99

Smoky and floral, this perfumed blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Cinsault suggests ripe, fleshy blackberry and raspberry flavors. While plush in texture, crisp granitic tones and fine-grained, densely packed tannins lend an upright feel. Expect peak from 2020 through 2026. - ANNA LEE C. IIJIMA