Picked two weeks earlier than the historical norm, the 2016 Chateauneuf du Pape Barbe Rac is 100% old-vine Grenache from a warm subregion of the appellation. It boasts huge black cherry fruit and touches of garrigue, carried by a full-bodied, rich palate. This is tannic but ripe, with a long, long, long licorice-tinged finish. Yes, I wrote long three times in my original notes!